The Benefits of Ice Cream, a Summer Essential

Ice cream, a year-round treat that becomes indispensable to people of all ages especially during summer months, provides health benefits thanks to its content of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, and vitamins A, B, E and K.   Moreover, one scoop of ice cream weighs approximately 50 grams and contains only 100 calories. Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, notes that when compared with other desserts, ice cream is a higher-nutrition and lower-calorie dessert alternative, and explains as follows: "However, even though it appears low in calories, because it contains sugar, you must absolutely control portions when consuming ice cream. Otherwise, due to both its sugar and calorie content, it can cause weight gain and disruption of blood sugar balance." The World Health Organization recommends that sugar consumption remain below 10 percent of daily energy intake. Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist, states that "Considering that two scoops of ice cream contain approximately 14 grams of sugar, it is very important not to exceed this limit," and addresses how frequently and how much ice cream we can consume: "Children can consume ice cream twice a week, 2 scoops at a time. Adults should also not exceed 2-3 times per week, again 2 scoops of ice cream. Individuals trying to lose weight should avoid consuming ice cream more than once a week." Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, explained the benefits of ice cream and the points we should pay attention to when consuming it; she provided important recommendations and warnings.

Helps meet daily calcium requirements

Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist, points out that 2 scoops of ice cream with its 90 mg calcium content meets approximately 9 percent of daily calcium needs, "Calcium is a very important mineral for bone and tooth health. Its primary sources are foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Ice cream can support daily calcium intake through its milk content." she says.  

Effective in maintaining muscle mass

Proteins form the building blocks of muscles. For this reason, obtaining adequate protein is of great importance in maintaining muscle mass. The primary nutritional sources of proteins are meat and dairy group foods, and one glass (200 ml) of milk contains 6 grams of protein. Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist, states: "With 2 scoops of ice cream that you will consume, you can obtain approximately half of the protein in a glass of water. With this effect, ice cream is a source that supports protein intake."  

Supports heart health

Minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus help protect heart and blood vessel health. Thanks to these minerals it contains, ice cream is among desserts that help maintain heart health. However, due to its saturated fat and sugar content, you should consume ice cream with portion control.  

A healthier alternative

It is generally thought that ice cream causes weight gain, but when consumed in proper portions, ice cream does not cause weight gain. Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist, states: "Contrary to belief, ice cream, especially when compared with other desserts that are pastry-based and syrup-based, is a dessert alternative with high nutritional content and lower calories."  

Contributes to treatment

The delicious taste of ice cream facilitates its consumption, while its cold nature can have therapeutic effects in some cases. Nilay Öngen, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist, points out, for example, that ice cream consumed after tonsil surgery can accelerate wound healing, and continues as follows: "Moreover, ice cream appears as a good alternative food for patients with difficulty in chewing and swallowing."    

7 rules you should avoid!

• When buying ice cream, pay attention to production conditions. Prefer places where it is produced, stored and served under hygienic conditions. • Due to infection risk, ice cream must absolutely be made from pasteurized milk. • If purchased ice cream melts and refreezes, crystals form on it. Do not buy ice creams with crystals on them. Since milk is an easily perishable food, bacterial growth that may occur during the melting-refreezing process can lead to poisoning. • When consuming ready-packaged ice creams, to prevent contamination from external factors, pay attention to any damage to the package, and due to harmful health effects, pay attention to paint and chemical content. • Some ice creams may contain glucose syrup and milk powder. Due to the fact that frequent consumption can disrupt body functions, do not buy products with these contents. • If you have food allergies, be sure to read the label to learn about allergen food content. • To avoid ice cream raising the calorie content, refrain from adding sauces, nuts/peanuts to ice cream and consuming cones.