Sometimes, people look forward to that ice cream reward moment. But as they scoop a few spoons, and diminishing utility sets in, they wonder: Is ice cream good or bad for me?
Indeed, it is a good question to ask each time the thought of an ice cream reward comes to mind.
It is a delectable treat no doubt. In fact, it could be an amazing way to get calcium and probiotics. On a sunny day, it is one thing you crave, especially if you have been taking it.
However, you have to be sure of the content of the creamy treat you are taking.
One of the bad things people do about ice cream is that they allow their desire for that creamy taste becloud their ability to ask questions about the content.
However, if you want to know whether ice cream is good or bad for you, there are few things to consider.
Every human has a maximum amount of calories he or she needs each day. It reduces as we age.
As a result, adding ice cream to your diet requires that you consider your calories count.
Why is this necessary?
Ice cream comes in different brands and each has its own compounds that define it.
Basically, in most cases, the premium quality contains more calories.
But in all, ice creams are high in calories, fat and added sugar. The only exceptional is the unsweetened yoghurt with culture in it.
Also, you need to consider your health needs if you are want to know whether ice cream is good for you or not.
For instance, anyone that is at risk of type-2 diabetes should think deeply before scooping a spoon.
Downsides Of Ice Cream
A few things to have in mind when you ask; “is ice cream good for me?” are:
1. Ice Cream Contains High Amount Of Added Sugar
Ice cream is high in added sugar and that makes it unhealthy for anyone who takes it in excess.
Experts say many varieties contain 12 to 24 grams (about 3-6 cubes) of added sugar in just a 1/2-cup serving which is about 65 grams (1).
You see, taking so much of added sugar is unhealthy for you.
The recommendation is that you limit added sugars to under 10% of your daily calories.
Also, that translates to about 50 grams of sugar for a 2,000-calorie diet (2).
If you take in excess sugar, it will dispose you to risk of different health conditions – obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease (3), (4).
So, before you take some ice cream, consider the quantity you must take.
2. Low In Nutrients
If you are fond of taking this creamy treat, you should consider the nutrient level.
Indeed, it is low in nutrient and that means you get very little amount of the supposed nutrients.
When you weigh the nutrients you get against the downsides, you may want to apply caution.
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Ice cream often contains calcium potassium and magnesium which are good. But when you consider the quantity you are likely to eat because of indulgence, you may cancel the nutritional value.
People often eat more than they should.
These minerals you get are more in banana and other fruits that offer you a better alternative to ice cream.
3. Carbohydrates (High Calories)
Ice cream is high in carbohydrates and that makes it a calories dense food.
Basically, when you take it, the carbohydrate that you fail to use will stay in your body as fat. You need to workout to burn that sugar deposit in your blood.
If you fail to, the sugar converts to fat and stays in your body.
This fat deposits, as a result of too much calories taken up, exposes you to the risk of diabetes.
4. Unhealthy Substance – Trehalose
Often, you may find artificial sugar – trehalose in the creamy treat. This substance acts as both a sweetener and texturising agent (5).
Also, this substance “depresses the freezing point of food,” making it a useful addition to ice cream.
This is why you will not find a totally frozen cream it different stores. It will still be soft no mater how long it stays in the freezer.
Unfortunately, this substance has been linked to a rise in potentially fatal infections from Clostridium difficile.
It is a common bacterium found in our guts.
You see, the ice cream you buy from stores could have up to 11% of trehalose.
Another unhealthy substance that could be in the creamy treat is colouring or dyes.
Some of such dyes are Red No. 3 (erythrosine) and Blue No. 2 (indigo carmine).
Although they’re approved by the FDA, some researches link these dyes to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children (6).
Also, it contain a bacteria – Listeria.
This bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
The Right Thing To Do
Most importantly, we know that asking you to throw the idea of taking it away is unthinkable for many.
As a result, we will recommend that you take just a serving per day or go for healthier alternatives.
Yoghurt is better. But if you must take ice cream, stay within a serving which is half of the cup. Just try to stay within that limit.
Also, after taking ice cream for the day, ensure that you exercise to burn the sugar deposit in the blood.
You see, each time children take sugary substances, their energy level is high and they run around a lot.
That is exactly what you should do after consuming any substance that is high in sugar.
That way they burn the calories deposit in their blood. But if you, being an adult, take it and sit in one place, you are causing yourself more harm than good.
You can also make yours with some banana, coconut or almond milk. Blend them together and then you are good.