World Health Organization; recommends that sugar consumption be less than 10 percent of daily energy intake. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen said, “Considering that both scoops of ice cream contain approximately 14 grams of sugar, it is very important that you do not exceed this limit.” Adults should not exceed 2 scoops of ice cream 2-3 times a week, again. Individuals trying to lose weight should avoid consuming ice cream more than once a week.
5 IMPORTANT REASONS TO CONSUME ICE CREAM!
Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen stated that ice cream is a sweet alternative with higher nutritional value and lower calorie compared to other desserts, adding, “However, although it seems low in calories, you should definitely do portion control when consuming ice cream because it contains sugar. Otherwise, it can cause weight gain and deterioration of blood sugar balance due to both sugar content and calories.
PROTECTS BONE HEALTH
Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen, pointing out that 2 scoops of ice cream meet 9 percent of the daily calcium need with 90 mg calcium content, “Calcium is a very important mineral for bone and dental health. Its main sources are foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Ice cream can also support daily calcium intake with the milk it contains. says.
EFFECTIVE IN PROTECTING MUSCLE MASS
Proteins are the building blocks of muscles. For this reason, getting enough protein is of great importance in preserving muscle mass. The main food sources of protein are meat and dairy group foods, and a glass (200 ml) of milk contains 6 grams of protein. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen said, “With 2 scoops of ice cream you will consume, you can get about half of the protein in a glass of milk. With this effect, ice cream is a source that supports protein intake.
SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH
Minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus help maintain cardiovascular health. Thanks to these minerals, ice cream is among the desserts that support heart health. However, you should consume ice cream with portion control due to the saturated fat and sugar it contains.
A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
Ice cream is generally thought to make you gain weight, but when consumed in the right portions, ice cream does not make you gain weight. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen says, “Contrary to popular belief, ice cream is a sweet alternative with a high nutritional content and lower calories, especially when compared to pastries and other desserts with syrup.”
CONTRIBUTES TO THE TREATMENT OF SOME DISEASES
While the deliciousness of ice cream makes it easy to consume, its coldness can be therapeutic in some cases. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Nilay Öngen, pointing out that, for example, ice cream consumed after tonsil surgery can accelerate wound healing, says, “In addition, ice cream is a good alternative food for patients with chewing and swallowing difficulties.”
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CONSUMING ICE CREAM
- When buying ice cream, pay attention to the production conditions. Prefer places that are produced, stored and presented in hygienic conditions.
- Due to the risk of infection, ice cream must be made from pasteurized milk.
- If the purchased ice cream melts and freezes again, crystals form on it. Do not buy ice creams with crystals on them. Because milk is an easily perishable food, bacterial growth that may occur during melting and freezing can lead to poisoning.
- In the consumption of ready-made packaged ice creams, pay attention to the condition of the package being damaged in order to prevent contamination from external factors, dye and chemical content due to its harmful effects on health.
- Some ice creams may contain glucose syrup and powdered milk. Do not buy products with these ingredients, as their frequent consumption can impair bodily functions.
- If you have a food allergy, be sure to read the label to learn the allergen nutrient content.
- Avoid adding sauce, nuts/peanuts to ice cream, and consuming cones, as ice cream raises calories.