A portion of two-thirds of a cup of milk-based ice cream, as a good source of calcium, can help maintain the strength of bones and muscles," with these words, nutrition experts delivered good news to ice cream lovers following the confirmation of a recent study. A new British health report indicated that some types of ice cream provide about six grams of protein per serving, the same amount found in an egg, according to the British newspaper "Daily Mail."
The report added that the combination of protein and moderate fat levels slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing sharp spikes in blood glucose associated with diabetes. It also emphasized that some other types of sweets contain little to no fat, protein, or fiber, noting that these three elements help delay carbohydrate absorption in the blood. Consequently, consuming such sweets over time can lead to repeated spikes in blood sugar, potentially resulting in type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Experts also recommended consuming appropriate amounts of ice cream in moderation, explaining that a two-thirds cup serving can contain half the recommended daily intake of saturated fat for adults. While blood sugar levels may be lower compared to consuming other types of sweets, moderation in ice cream consumption remains crucial to prevent potential long-term damage. Additionally, a serving constitutes two-thirds of the daily recommended sugar intake for adults. Therefore, it is generally advised to stick to one serving or slightly less.
Nutritionist Shelly Bowles clarified that ice cream is a better option compared to less nutritious sweets, noting that a two-thirds cup serving of milk-based ice cream contains approximately 12% of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Bowles added that calcium is typically a nutrient that is not consumed sufficiently, so the good news is that when someone decides to enjoy a cup of ice cream, they can also gain some nutritional benefits.
Nutritionist Stephanie Van Zilfden also pointed out that the combination of fats and moderate proteins makes ice cream a good option for diabetics. She added that combining fats, proteins, and sugar reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes that can occur when consuming low-fat sweets like fruit sorbets. The study also confirmed that when ice cream is compared to other nutrient-deficient sweets, it becomes one of the surprising options.
