Ice Cream Is Good for You!
DOES ICE CREAM HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS?
Ice cream is made of cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and flavorings. Despite the ingredients, it isn't the worst thing you can eat. Ice cream provides nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins. Recently researchers found that when eaten as part of a healthy diet, ice cream can aid weight loss, as long as you don't overdo it with calories.
This may be due to two factors: ice cream contains calcium, which is needed for fat metabolism, and ice cream satisfies food cravings better than most foods, which could reduce binging on other foods.
HOW MANY CALORIES ARE FOUND IN ICE CREAM?
It depends on the type and the amount that you eat. The standard USDA serving is 1/2 cup, but most people eat twice that amount.
1/2 cup ice cream (10% butterfat) = 140 calories, 8g fat, 16g carbs
1/2 cup frozen custard (10% butterfat + more egg yolk)= 175 calories, 12g fat, 16g carbs
1/2 cup soft serve (lower in fat) = 130 calories, 4g fat, 22g carbs
1/2 cup premium ice cream (>10% butterfat) = 270 calories, 20g fat, 22g carbohydrate
Hot fudge sundae (2 scoops): 530 calories, 29g fat, 62g carbs (200mg calcium)
Chocolate chip cookie blizzard (small): 720 calories, 28g fat, 105g carbs
Banana split (3 scoops): 1345 calories, 75g fat, 152g carbs
HOW DO ALTERNATIVE FROZEN DESSERTS COMPARE TO ICE CREAM?
Gelato - Most people think gelato is lower in calories and fat than ice cream, but it depends on the ingredients - cows milk, cream, eggs & sugar (4-10% butterfat). Less air is incorporated for a smoother, creamier texture.
1/2 cup = 160-210 calories, 6-12g fat, 20-24g carbs
La Loos - made from goat milk, which is easier to digest for many people because of the size of the protein and fat molecules; is lower in lactose and lower in calores than ice cream
1/2 cup = 130 calories, 6g fat, 16g carbs
Rice Dream - made from rice milk and ideal for individuals who are allergic to milk or casein
1/2 cup = 170 calories, 8g fat, 26g carbs (20 mg calcium)
Sorbet - made from fruit and sugar, does not contain dairy
1/2 cup = 130 calories, 0g fat, 31g carbs (0 calcium)