Ah, summer, the heat and the delicious feeling of savoring an ice cream cone with its chocolatey tip at the end of the journey… We love it, we want it, but did you know that this sweetness can hide a less attractive reality for your well-being ?
A French would consume six liters of ice cream per year according toAssociation of Ice Cream Companies. So there’s no need to spoil your summer moments by skipping it every time, but it’s essential to take a closer look at this little chocolatey morsel, often considered the frozen show stopper. If the best vanilla ice cream is in the supermarket, the melting and fresh texture of the end of a chocolate cone seduces our taste buds. But, as in many processed foods (pizza for example) the industrial process used would have unsuspected effects on our health.
To better understand, let’s look at the work of chemist Bert Weckhuysen from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands). He asks about the Fatty acids, essential compounds for our body. However, there are two types of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. The first, solid at room temperature, should be consumed in moderation, as they can contribute to the increase in bad cholesterol. It is found in butter, charcuterie, cheese and even fatty meats. The latter, liquid at room temperature, are renowned for their benefits. It is therefore on vegetable oils (be careful, choose your olive oil carefully), seeds and oilseeds, fatty fish, eggs and soybeans that you have to bet on.
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Industrial ice cream: a bad taste choice for our health.
The real problem arises when the chocolate in your cone, that final treat, is industrially processed. Ice cream makers use hydrogenation, a chemical process that converts liquid unsaturated fats into solid saturated fats. This transformation is to prevent the chocolate from melting before you reach that high point in your tasting.
However, excess saturated fat can have negative consequences on your weight, your cholesterol level and your cardiovascular health. Added to this is the fact that the ice cream itself may contain added sugars and preservatives, further enhancing the potentially damaging effects. So, should we completely give up this little frozen treat? Not necessarily. As with many processed foods, moderation is key. If you choose to treat yourself to an ice cream cone more regularly, opt for artisanal or homemade options.
Alixe is passionate about well-being, nutrition and sport. Certified life coach and master’s student in communication and marketing, she likes to devote her time to writing to share and inspire. …