I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Right? There are hundreds of different kinds of ice cream available, but not all versions of the chilly dessert offer the same flavorful benefits as well as cutting back on health effects. Non-dairy ice cream offers a plethora of great flavors from vanilla to cherry chocolate chip, but don’t be fooled! That delicious treat isn’t all fun and games–it can actually do your body good! Non-dairy ice cream is less fattening, less bloating and full of good soy nutrients that keep your body running healthy and happy.
1. The Soy Complex
Most non-dairy ice cream desserts are soy-based products, meaning the main ingredient used to make them is soy. Soy is a fantastic plant that is used in many whole foods products and offers a ton of raw protein that your body uses to build muscle, increase functionality and create oxygen. Even in ice cream that has been processed, the soy complex that it was derived from retains most of its nutrients, offering a great amount of protein, vitamins and minerals not found in dairy ice cream. Plus, non-dairy ice creams made from soy are generally low in cholesterol.
Much of the “hubbub” around soy products stems from the isoflavones naturally found in the plant. Isoflavones have been shown to assist in lowering “bad” cholesterol in blood and research has also reflected the positive impact of isoflavones on fighting cancer, specifically breast and prostate cancer.
3. Soy Protein
Soy protein, in itself, is a necessary nutrient your body needs to function healthily. The FDA recommends that each individual person take in about 25 grams of soy protein per day. In addition, a low-cholesterol and low-saturated fat diet can help decrease risks of heart disease and keep your body stronger for longer.
4. Low Fat
Ice cream that is made from non-dairy sources, such as soy, is full of great taste and nutrients, but that isn’t the only plus side: it only has a portion of the fat content compared to regular ice cream. Soy-based ice creams are generally low-fat desserts. Because they are low in fat, they are easily digestible, which leaves your body happy and healthy.
5. Low Calories
Soy-based non-dairy ice cream is a fantastic dessert for anyone on a low-calorie diet because it generally has a significantly lower calorie count than other ice cream based desserts. For example, in 1/2 cup of vanilla non-dairy ice cream, there are only 110 calories. That’s 1/2 cup of delicious ice cream that isn’t going to break your good diet habit.
Non-dairy ice cream is a delectable delight for anyone searching for a great tasting treat without the extra weight, bloat or cholesterol. Not only is soy ice cream delicious, but it is also good for you! It provides you with a great amount of protein and nutrients that you can’t get from other foods. Next time your in the frozen food aisle at the grocery store, skip the ice cream sandwiches and go for the cherry chocolate chip soy ice cream!