The summer heat always brings the desire for a cold treat! We have several local food businesses that sell the best ice cream that can be found in North Carolina or maybe the entire United States! Did you know that eating ice cream can not only be a cool summer dessert but it can also have surprising health benefits? Just remember that portion control is the key to success!
There is a reason why in the movies and on television we often see people turn to a tub of ice cream when they are sad or disappointed. The creamy texture and sweetness of ice cream triggers the release of the “feel good” hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. This creates a temporary escape from whatever has one feeling down.
As you may know, ice cream is an excellent source of calcium. This is great for our bones and teeth! You may be surprised to learn that ice cream is also a source of vitamins A,D, and B12, this makes ice cream a contributor to better immune health and overall health.
Ice cream is calorie-dense with sugars and fats. This means it can provide a boost of energy very quickly when you need a pick-me-up. The dairy in ice cream contains probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion that foster a balanced gut microbiome.
One very important aspect of ice cream is its ability to bring people of all ages together for an amazing social connection. This is helpful for our mental health and well-being. First of all, deciding to eat ice cream with friends or family requires shared decision making. This can be a lot of fun, especially when there are lots of choices and lots of topping suggestions. This makes for a pleasant conversation. Ice cream can bring back sentimental feelings happiness from days past. One of my favorite short video reels is one my children took from the back seat of my old Ford Explorer of me driving and my late mom sitting beside me enjoying an ice cream cone on our way home from Rockingham. I’m sure you may have some fond memories of sharing a conversation over ice cream of your own.
What if I can’t eat ice cream? If you can’t eat dairy products due to lactose intolerance or a milk allergy there are a plenty of dairy free options. First of all, always read the ingredient label to see what the ice cream is made of. Many of the grocery store brands offer lactose-free options. Oat Milk ice cream products such as “Oatly” are known for their rich, creamy texture that is very close to dairy ice cream. If you have a lactose intolerance(not a milk allergy), over the counter products, such as Lactaid, taken before eating regular ice-cream will provide the digestive enzymes that your body lacks to allow you to enjoy ice cream without bloating or stomach pain. If you have a true milk allergy, meaning an immune reaction to milk protein, rather than sugar lactose, read the ingredient labels carefully and choose vegan/certified dairy- free products. Some of our local ice cream shops in Richmond County offer dairy free and sugar free options.
One sure way to create an ice cream treat that is to your liking and best for your personal health is to make your own. Today there are several “cream” makers that require less work than the old fashioned ice cream makers. Making ice cream at home allows for endless flavor experimentation and no artificial additives. There are even recipes that don’t require a special machine. The current trend is the three ingredient recipes consisting of 2 cups of very cold heavy whipping cream, 1 can (14oz) chilled sweetened condensed milk, and 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or flavor of choice). Fruit, crushed sandwich cookies, or unsweetened cocoa powder can be added to change the flavors. Simply whip the cream on high speed using a hand mixer until peaks form. Add the extract. Using a silicone spatula fold in the chilled sweetened condensed milk. Pour into a loaf pan or freezer-safe dish. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals and freeze for 5-6 hours or overnight. This recipe is easy and limits the risks of foodborne illnesses from products such as eggs or unclean churns.
If you would like to know more about health and wellness contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent. In Richmond County, Contact Cheri Bennett at 910-997-8255. The Richmond County Cooperative Extension Office helps provide research-based education and technology to the producers and citizens of this great county. The office is located at 123 Caroline St. in Rockingham. Learn more at richmond.ces.ncsu.edu
