Good news for Ben and Jerry’s lovers.
If you’re going for a big dessert this Fourth of July weekend, you might want to opt for ice cream.
Dietitians say it has surprising health benefits, especially when compared to other sweets that lack nutritional value.
A two-thirds cup serving of dairy ice cream is a good source of calcium, which keeps bones and muscles strong.
And depending on the brand, some ice creams provide around six grams of protein per serving, which is the same amount as an egg.
Dietitians say if you’re going to indulge in dessert this Fourth of July weekend, you might want to stick to ice cream.
The combination of protein and moderate levels of fat also slows the release of sugar into the blood, which prevents sudden spikes in blood glucose associated with diabetes.
Candy like Sour Patch Kids, for example, has 0 grams of fat and virtually no protein or fiber.
These three factors delay the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood. Over time, repeated spikes in blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Ice cream is not healthy at all. For example, a two-thirds cup serving of Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Delight contains half of the recommended amount of saturated fat for an adult in an entire day.
And while the spike in blood sugar may be smaller than that caused by eating sweets, it is still moderate and can cause damage over time.
A single serving also contains two-thirds of an adult’s recommended daily sugar intake. And most people aren’t happy with just one serving.
Still, dietician Shelley Balls said Yahoo Life That ice cream reigns supreme over other less nutritious desserts.
She noted that a two-thirds cup serving of dairy ice cream contains about 12 percent of the recommended daily amount of calcium.
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She said: ‘Calcium is a nutrient that is typically under-consumed in the American dietary pattern, so it’s great news that when we do decide to indulge in a sweet treat, it can also provide some nutritional benefits.’
Dietitian Stephanie Van’t Zelfden told Yahoo Life that the moderate combination of fat and protein made it a good choice for diabetics.
Combining fat and protein with sugar “reduces the spikes in blood sugar that can be seen when eating low-fat desserts, such as sorbet,” she said.