Descubre tres falsos mitos sobre los helados

Discover three myths about ice cream

We are used to hearing that ice cream is fattening or that sugar-free versions are better. But, is there any truth in these claims? Can ice cream be part of a healthy diet?

BY Silvia Cardona | 27 July 2024

The vast majority of ice creams that we can buy in a supermarket are ultraprocessed. They contain so many ingredients, including added sugars (glucose, fructose, corn syrups, dextrose, etc.), sweeteners, industrially-produced trans fats, etc. As a result, they are high-calorie products with limited nutritional value. 

Of course, consuming them occasionally isn’t a problem. A healthy lifestyle also includes eating some foods for pleasure, and not just to cover nutritional needs. However, in hot weather, some people eat ice cream daily. In that case, it is preferable to replace it with other, healthier, options. 

 

How to add ice cream to our diet in a healthy way 

The best way to obtain ice cream with good nutritional quality is to make it at home, which is easier than it may seem. It also offers advantages such as control over the type and quality of ingredients, as well as avoiding the purchase of products packaged in single-use plastic

 

Ingredients for homemade ice cream 

 

  • Fresh fruit. Es un ingrediente clave para endulzar y dar textura al helado. Cuanto más madura esté mejor. Puede usarse plátano, mango, arándanos, fresas, melocotón, etc.  
  • Nuts. For a crunchier texture you may prefer to use chopped nuts. On the other hand, if you are seeking flavour and a creamy texture, then smooth nut creams, such as peanut butter (with no added sugar) are a good choice.  
  • Dairy. Plain or Greek yoghurt, kefir and even plant-based yoghurts are interesting options to add to homemade ice cream. They will provide extra protein and good quality fat content.
  • Others. Some interesting ingredients to achieve different flavour combinations in ice cream are grated coconut, cinnamon, pure cocoa powder, etc.  

 


It is as simple as blending the frozen, cut fruit with a conventional or a stick blender, along with the rest of the chosen ingredients. Other recipes opt for blending the fresh ingredients, filling freezer-compatible moulds and then freezing them to enjoy at a later date. 

 

Three myths about ice cream

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