Contents
What you should look at to choose the healthiest ice cream
Tags
In this case, the quality of the ingredients is more important than the quantity
There are few things more palatable than a ice cream in summer. Not only is it usually tasty, but it also helps to combat the unbearable moments of heat. But, we are faced with a food with a lot of potential to be unhealthy: processed, sugars, fats … although from time to time we can indulge ourselves, it is better to look for which option is the healthiest.
Although the healthiest ice creams will always be the ones we make at home, because we can use quality ingredients and they will not have additives, explains nutritionist María Eugenia Fernández (@ m.eugenianutri) that the most important thing if we buy them outside is “to look at the list of ingredients, which should be as short as possible.” “Creamy fruit ice creams would be ideal for me. Those made of ice are less caloric but also nutritionally poorer “, assures the professional. Another interesting option may be to choose a yogurt-based ice cream. “This provides more fats and quality proteins, better digestibility and more vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus,” he explains.
What to look for on an ice cream label
If we are going to buy an ice cream, for example in the supermarket, it is important that we look at some things on its label. María Eugenia Fernández comments that the most important thing is, on the one hand, to take into account that the ingredients appear from highest to lowest ordered quantity, and that the quality of the ingredients is what determines the quality of the product. «Regarding fats, the quality (origin of the fat) is more important than the quantity. We must avoid those foods with refined or hydrogenated fats in their composition, “says the nutritionist.
On the other hand, he explains that the ingredients to avoid are artificial flavors, colors and preservatives (the famous E-…), and also: glucose, glucose syrup and dextrose.
How to choose the best ice cream parlor
One question that may appear is how to choose the best ice cream if we talk about those of ice cream parlor. María Eugenia Fernández leaves several basic tips to bring us the best, the first, that the cheapest are not usually associated with quality. “It is important choose recognizable flavors, avoid flavors that are not reminiscent of real food, and avoid those with bright colors ”, he explains and adds that, if the ice cream that runs out is not replenished during business hours, it is a good indicator, since it means that they are artisans and with a limited production.
Finally, the nutritionist gives the guidelines to prepare ice cream at home and make them, not only to our liking, but also healthy. He comments that, to achieve this, the most important thing is the ingredients.
Prepare homemade ice cream
For the base, his recommendation is to choose a vegetable or creamy yogurt, (Greek type, sheep or goat). Also, encourage adding fruit for both flavor and sweetening. “Ideally, it should be seasonal, such as watermelon, blueberries, blackberries or figs, although we can also opt for more ‘classic’ ones such as bananas,” he explains. For the ice cream topping, the recommendation is as follows: use 72% cocoa and coconut oil to melt the chocolate and, once we drink it, it does not melt in your hands, but it stays hard. Finally, if we want to add a topping, the ideal is to use hazelnuts or sliced almonds.