Ice cream is considered an unhealthy food due to its high calories, sugar, additives, and artificial preservatives. However, do you know you can eat ice cream more healthily? This can be achieved by mixing it with healthier foods or natural recipes.
International Dairy Foods Association stated that an average American takes about 23 pounds of ice cream annually. This tells you that the average American loves ice cream a lot. To complement its unhealthy content, below are ways to consume ice cream healthier.
7 Healthy Things To Eat With Ice Cream
Below are some great food options to eat with ice cream.
1. Protein Powder
Sparking protein powder on ice cream is simpler than making creamy protein ice cream. Protein ice cream comprises pea protein powder, nut milk, sweetener, and pudding mix. However, if you can’t make one, you can get protein powder made up of the combo of pea protein powder and nut milk and sparkle on your carbohydrate treat. This makes your ice cream more protein and healthy.
2. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
The Extra Virgin Olive oil is a highly healthy oil that significantly benefits the body. Harvard Health Publishing stated that olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for your cardiovascular health.
You can pour olive oil as a topping on your ice cream. When poured, the olive oil thickens to like a syrup-like mixture and adds a nutty flavor to your ice cream and the health benefits following it.
3. Coffee Ground
When you hear of coffee, your mind goes to caffeine. Yes, coffee contains caffeine, but it is also an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Also, a study has proven that including coffee in your daily diet helps to decrease your risk of certain types of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of cancer.
For additional health benefits, spark fresh coffee grounds on your ice cream. Apart from the health benefits, it helps to enhance the taste of the ice cream, making it tasty chocolate and creamy.
4. Furikake
Furikake is a savory seasoning from blending traditional seaweed and sesame seeds and spiced up with a small amount of salt and sugar. It originates from Japan and is usually used to season rice, but it is perfect to be used on ice cream too.
The salty, sweet, and umami flavors of furikake make the ice cream tastier. This combo is worth giving a try.
5. Tahini
Tahini is a delicious paste made from ground sesame seeds. The sesame seed contains powerful plant compounds that help lower your body’s cholesterol levels. This sesame seed is also an excellent source of calcium and magnesium that helps to improve blood pressure levels.
The sesame seeds make your ice cream nutty, making it extra creamy and delicious. You will not want to miss out on it.
6. Fruits Topping
Fruits are an excellent class of diet that contains vitamins and minerals that is essential to the body. You can add fruit topping of oranges, avocados, apples, or bananas to the ice cream to make it fruity and extra sweet. For maximum taste and nutritional benefits, you should use fresh fruits.
7. Chocolate
Another healthy thing to eat with ice cream is chocolate.
Chocolates are very healthy, as they are particularly rich in flavanols like epicatechin and catechin, in addition to anthocyanins and phenolic acids. These compounds help fight inflammation, boost your brain function, and improve your immune and cardiovascular health.
You can dip a bar of chocolate into your bowl of ice cream to enjoy them together.
Conclusion
Ice cream is a delicious snack that you can spice up with healthy additives to have a great taste and nutrients. The article has discussed some healthy things to eat with ice cream.
However, although you can make a healthy combo with ice cream, ensure you keep your consumption of ice cream in moderation. Go for more home-cooked ice cream, as they are more nutritious than those you get at the ice cream and snack stores.
