14 min read

Updated On Jul 2024
Updated On Jul 2024

What Are The Health Benefits Of Ice Cream?

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Ice Cream Benefits

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Anjali Jaiswal

Anjali is pursuing her Master in Management of Business Administration from  Amity University.

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Varleen Kaur

Varleen Kaur is a Qualified Dietitian. In Fitelo, she is currently serving as a Subject Matter Expert, in the Department of Performance and Marketing.

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There is something about ice cream that we just cannot stop loving. Ice cream is known to trigger positive emotions in the human mind and activates the pleasure spots in the brain. Attention all ice cream enthusiasts! Rejoice, for your love of this frozen delight can now be guilt-free! It’s time to celebrate ice cream benefits as not just a treat, but a potential health booster. Whether you savor it for its taste or simply as a joyful escape, rest assured, the benefits might pleasantly surprise you.

Clearly, if there is one kind of food that we all can agree on, it’s ice cream. Curious about the perks? Brace yourself, because here’s what ice cream brings to the table.n this blog, we’ll dive into the world of ice cream, exploring its history, popular flavors, and the unexpected advantages it brings to the table. 

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Ice Cream Can Actually Be Good For You.

Raise your hand if you ever felt a tiny bit guilty about having extra scoops of ice cream. Well, it’s time to toss that guilt out the window! While you should still be careful not to go overboard, there’s good news: ice cream isn’t just a rare special thing. 

Ice cream is more than just a tasty treat; it’s a beloved part of cultures around the world with surprising health benefits to offer. From its calcium-rich content to its mood-enhancing properties, ice cream can be enjoyed mindfully as part of a balanced diet. So, the next time you savor a scoop, remember that you’re not just indulging your taste buds; you’re treating yourself to a delightful experience with a few unexpected perks. Let’s find out how some parts of ice cream are actually good for you!

Bye-Bye Guilty Feelings

So, Stop worrying about enjoying ice cream. You don’t have to keep it for super special times only. So, It’s okay to have it more often without feeling bad.

Enjoy, But Not Too Much

Remember, too much of anything isn’t great. Ice cream is awesome, but it’s best to eat a little, not a lot.

Surprising Good Stuff In Ice Cream

Did you know ice cream has things that can help your body? So, It’s not just about the sugar and fat. There are other things that are pretty cool for your health.

Secrets In the Creaminess

Inside the smooth and creamy ice cream, there are things that can help you stay healthy. Who would’ve guessed that your favorite treat could be sort of like a friend to your body?

Get Ready To Be Amazed

Get ready to be surprised – ice cream can taste good and also be good for you. It’s like having a yummy party in your mouth that also makes your body smile.

Balance Is The Key

Remember the trick to enjoying ice cream? It’s called balance. That means not having too much, but still enjoying it sometimes, just like finding the right amount of toppings on your ice cream sundae.

Every Spoonful Counts

Next time you dig into a bowl of ice cream, think about it like you’re having a mini celebration. It’s not just about the taste; it’s also about having a little healthy fun.

So, don’t think of ice cream as a “naughty” treat anymore. It’s more like a cool friend that makes you happy and gives you a little boost too. So grab that cone or bowl, and enjoy your ice cream with a big smile! 

Ice Cream Calories According To Different Flavours

Sure, there’s a table showcasing the approximate calorie content of various ice cream flavors per 1/2 cup (about 65-80 grams) serving:

FlavorCalories (per 1/2 cup serving)
Vanilla140-160
Chocolate150-170
Strawberry120-140
Mint Chocolate Chip170-190
Cookies and Cream160-180
Rocky Road170-190
Butter Pecan160-180
Coffee130-150
Pistachio150-170
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough170-190
Neapolitan (Mixed)130-150
Sorbet (Fruit-Based)100-130
Please note that these calorie values are approximate and can vary based on the brand and specific recipe of the ice cream. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate details.

10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Ice Cream

What are the benefits of eating ice cream? We get it – that guilt trip after enjoying a bowl of ice cream might be a familiar sensation. But what if we told you that there are genuine health benefits hidden within that creamy delight? Let’s delve into the surprising ways ice cream can actually contribute to your well-being, so you can savor it without any remorse.

10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Ice Cream

1. Packed With Essential Nutrients

Believe it or not, ice cream is more than just a treat for your taste buds. With its milk and milk solids, it’s a source of vitamin A-rich food and vitamin D, plus minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Varieties like dark chocolate ice cream even bring antioxidants to the table, helping to lower bad cholesterol and support heart health.

2. Instant Energy Boost

Feeling a bit sluggish? Ice cream has your back. Its sugar content provides an instant energy surge, giving you a quick pick-me-up whenever you need it. No wonder it’s the go-to for an energy boost.

3. An Immunity Ally

Surprisingly, ice cream can lend a hand in boosting your immunity. Being a fermented food, it’s linked to improved respiratory and gastrointestinal health. A healthier gut and respiratory system ultimately lead to better overall immunity.

4. Brain Stimulation

Indulging in ice cream can actually stimulate your brain. Research suggests that those who kickstart their day with ice cream are more alert compared to those who skip it.

5. Bone-Strengthening Benefits

Calcium, the bone’s best friend, is found aplenty in ice cream. Since our bodies don’t naturally produce calcium, we need to get it from our diet. Ice cream can help fulfill your calcium requirements and brain-boosting food contribute to strong bones.

6. The Happiness Factor

Feeling down? Ice cream’s got a scientific explanation for lifting your spirits. It triggers the production of serotonin – a hormone responsible for making you feel happy. So, go ahead, chase away those blues with a scoop!

7. Libido Lift

For a spicier intimate life, regular ice cream consumption could be the answer. The presence of phosphorus, along with its other benefits, can help regulate testosterone levels and potentially enhance your libido.

8. A Protective Shield Against Breast Cancer

Ladies take note – ice cream’s calcium content can play a role in breast cancer prevention. Ensuring adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of this disease, making ice cream a surprisingly tasty ally.

9. A Weight-Loss Friend

Yes, you read that right. Contrary to common belief, eating ice cream can actually assist in weight loss. The science behind it is simple: cold foods can prompt your body to burn more calories. However, moderation remains key on your weight loss journey.

10. Fertility Support

If you’re on the journey to parenthood, here’s a reason to delight in ice cream. Research indicates that high-fat dairy desserts for weight loss, including ice cream, can enhance fertility rates compared to their low-fat counterparts.

So, the next time you’re savoring a scoop of ice cream, relish not just the taste, but the array of unexpected health benefits it brings along. After all, indulgence can sometimes be a lot more enriching than you might think.

What Is The Difference Between Ice Cream And Frozen Dessert?

Do not get confused between ice cream and frozen dessert. Both of them are different. But you need to be careful while buying packed ice cream as most brands sell frozen desserts by the name of “ice cream”, which is both ethically and lawfully wrong. This is why we always ask you to check the ingredient’s label.

We found out that frozen desserts contain so many harmful ingredients!

Real Ice cream is mostly healthy as it is made of real milk and contains real nutrients. It is a complete food in itself. On the other hand, frozen desserts’ main ingredient is palm oil or hydrogenated fats.
They only look like ice cream and are way more dangerous.

The Verdict- Frozen dessert is a concoction of bad fat and bad carbs!

Frozen Dessert vs Ice Cream

  • Ice cream has less fat and fewer carbs than frozen desserts. A 100 g serving of Frozen dessert contains 10.56 g of fat, whereas the same amount of ice cream contains just 5.6 g of fat. Carbs in 100 g serving of frozen dessert are 25.28 g!! Whereas in ice cream, it is 12.8 g.
  • Ice cream gives a creamy texture and a rich mouthfeel also, as it is dairy-based.
  • Ice creams are easy to digest and nutritious energy-giving food. All in all, Ice cream is a complete food in itself.
  • As per Indian Food Laws, companies cannot sell/market their frozen desserts named Ice Cream, but many companies still continue to do so.

Whenever you go out to buy something, flip the packaging first of all and check its ingredients label. Now check the first 3 ingredients of the product. These are the ones that are present in most amounts. The ingredients that are mentioned last are present in the least amount.

So, in this case, Frozen dessert contains water in the most amount, followed by sugar, followed by palm oil! Whaaaattttt? Where is milk? Palm oil is more than milk? Yes!

And the amount of sugar- 12 g in just 53 g!

Frozen Dessert’s Ingredient Breakdown

1. Palm Oil- Palm oil is just 1% better than trans fats. It has a lot of saturated fat which will only worsen your heart health. Palm oil is also responsible for high cholesterol levels. Also, increased levels of bad or LDL cholesterol are responsible for clogging the arteries.

Frozen Dessert’s packaging says it contains 10.2% vegetable oil and vegetable protein products!

2. Milk Solids- Frozen desserts do not contain real milk! Moreover, milk solids or Whole milk powder are likely to contain oxidized cholesterol, which may damage blood vessels and promote heart disease. So, it is certainly not healthy and not suitable for regular consumption.

3. Liquid Glucose – The source of sugar is synthetic, such as – liquid glucose or inverted sugar syrup.

4. Vegetable Soy Protein
5. Stabilizers
6. Emulsifiers
7. Artificial vanilla flavor
8. Synthetic Food Colour- The attractive ice cream like the color of the frozen dessert is not natural at all. It comes from tartrazine i.e. artificial colouring agent.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Ice Cream?

You now know all the benefits of ice cream consumption. It’s vital to keep in mind though that there could be some negative consequences as well. Ice cream consumption has the following drawbacks:

  • You could develop an addiction to ice cream if you regularly eat it. Addiction can make it difficult to know when to stop. 
  • Overconsumption, which results in obesity and a number of other issues, can be the result.
  • High-fat ice creams may take longer to digest, which could leave you feeling bloated and gassy.
  • The high-fat content can raise bad cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of developing health issues including heart disease.

Consider making Your Own Ice Cream.

Now that you know all of the wonderful ways that ice cream can actually benefit you physically, what are you waiting for? Have some.

Our recommendation? Try making your own. You can choose your own ingredients, which means you can make it as healthy as you want.

If you’ve never attempted homemade ice cream before, no worries. It’s actually really simple. Need an example? Check out our homemade healthy recipe. Must Try!

Blueberry ice cream – Sugar-free Recipe

Sugar-free, homemade Blueberry Ice cream anyone? This ice cream recipe is worth adding to your favorites list. It is full of nutrition and will keep you healthy and fit.

Easy Homemade Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Create your own delicious and healthy treat with our easy homemade banana ice cream recipe. Just a few simple steps to creamy, guilt-free goodness. Enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas in every scoop!

Mango-Banana Nice Cream Recipe

Whisk up a tropical delight with our refreshing Mango-Banana Nice Cream recipe. Indulge in the luscious blend of mango and banana, guilt-free. Discover a naturally sweet and creamy treat that’s perfect for any time of the year!

Chocolate Ice Cream Oats – Healthy Dessert Recipe

Indulge in a guilt-free delight with our Chocolate Ice Cream Oats recipe. Satisfy your sweet cravings while enjoying the goodness of wholesome oats. Discover a healthier way to enjoy dessert without compromising on taste!

Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Awaken your taste buds with our irresistible Coffee Ice Cream recipe. Delight in the perfect blend of rich coffee flavor and creamy goodness. Experience a homemade frozen treat that’s sure to please coffee and dessert enthusiasts alike!

CONCLUSION

Sweet, cool, and delicious — while ice cream is without a doubt one of our favorite desserts, research suggests that it might not just be a treat for our taste buds, but for our health too.

Ice cream is such a comfort that most of us can’t resist. There’s no need to feel guilty if you think your workout at the gym just went in vain because you ate some ice cream. With moderation and self-control, ice cream can actually benefit your health a lot. When you eat ice cream, you do not just satisfy your cravings, but you’re also adding something helpful for your body. 

Ice cream is great for health as long as it is Ice cream (bwahahaha). Confused? Let’s clear your confusion once and for all.

How To Know Which Of These Is A Type Of Frozen Dessert?

Differentiation between ice cream and frozen dessert is difficult for you? So, let’s make it easy. Check out this video of Dietitian Mac Singh and get to know how to recognize a real ice cream.

Fun-Fact

Ice cream benefits come from its lavish ingredients, one of them being nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Let us know how these nuts benefit us and which is the best nut to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Which Season Is Ice Cream Popular?

Ice cream is especially popular during the summer season. The warm weather creates a natural craving for cool and refreshing treats, making ice cream a beloved choice to beat the heat. Its delightful flavors and creamy texture are particularly appealing during this time, making it a staple for people seeking comfort and refreshment in the summer months.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Ice Cream?

Ice cream can be a source of enjoyment and satisfaction due to its taste and texture. It can provide a moment of pleasure and indulgence, contributing to a positive mood.

Is Ice Cream Good For Health?

Ice cream can offer enjoyment and some nutritional benefits like calcium and protein when eaten in moderation. Choosing healthier options and controlling portions can make it a part of a balanced diet.

Does Eating Ice Cream Help You Lose Weight?

While ice cream itself doesn’t directly aid weight loss, consuming it in moderation as part of a balanced diet can prevent feelings of restriction and contribute to a sustainable eating plan, potentially supporting a diet plan for weight management.

Why Do People Like Ice Cream?

Ice Cream is one of the earliest desserts which has been relished by our forefathers and now our children too. So with customization, ice cream benefits can be enjoyed by the young and the old alike. It can be made in various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and mango among others.

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Contact Us Today

Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.

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