Ice Creams Claimed to Be Healthy: A Closer Look at Their Nutritional Value

Ice Creams Claimed to Be Healthy: A Closer Look at Their Nutritional Value

In the realm of low-calorie or low-fat ice creams, a popular artificial sweetener, erythritol, has come under scrutiny due to its potential negative health effects. Recent studies suggest that erythritol may pose risks, particularly for cardiovascular and brain vascular health [1][2][3][4][5].

The research indicates that erythritol can impair brain blood vessel cells, leading to dysfunctions that may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. This impairment is due to its ability to reduce the cells' capacity to constrict and dilate properly, increase oxidative stress, decrease nitric oxide, and raise endothelin-1, a molecule that narrows blood vessels [4].

Moreover, cells exposed to erythritol release less tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), a protein that helps dissolve blood clots. This effect could impair blood flow and elevate the chance of stroke [4]. In studies of thousands of people, higher circulating erythritol levels in the bloodstream corresponded to about a two-fold increase in risk of heart attack and stroke within a few years [1][2][3][5].

While erythritol is popular due to its minimal calorie count, lack of significant impact on insulin or blood sugar levels, and its sweetness comparable to sugar, emerging scientific evidence suggests that its advantages may come with risks, particularly for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health [2][3][5].

These findings stem from recent research published mainly in the Journal of Applied Physiology and studies involving human cell models and large population data, led by experts at the University of Colorado Boulder and Cleveland Clinic [2][3][5].

It's important to note that consumption of erythritol and similar artificial sweeteners in low-calorie or low-fat ice creams may be linked to increased risks of stroke, heart attack, and vascular dysfunction, warranting cautious use and further investigation [1][4][5].

However, the better-for-you ice cream market continues to thrive with low-sugar, high-protein, and dairy-free varieties. Protein-rich ice cream offers benefits such as stabilizing blood sugar and making the consumer feel full more quickly. When eating ice cream, it's crucial to read labels and look for an ingredient list with simple ingredients as opposed to high fructose corn syrup or artificial ingredients.

There are options in the freezer section for those looking to lower the calorie, fat, and sugar content of their ice cream. Dairy-free ice cream can be a tolerable option for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or avoid dairy for other reasons. However, it's important to be mindful of serving sizes when consuming low-calorie ice cream options, as the calorie count per serving may not be significantly lower than regular ice cream.

Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian, states that ice cream is not exactly a health food but can be less unhealthy with more natural ingredients. A serving size of ice cream is typically half a cup, which is roughly one traditional scoop. Traditional sundae toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and candy bits can add a ton of calories to an already indulgent treat.

It's essential to view ice cream as a treat for special occasions as opposed to a regular part of the daily menu. Zumpano also states that there is evidence that artificial sweeteners aren't good for us, especially in larger amounts. Dairy-free ice cream made with coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk contains a similar amount of calories, fat, and sugar as milk-based ice cream. Premium or regular ice creams are known for being high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar.

In conclusion, while the better-for-you ice cream market continues to grow, it's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners like erythritol. It's always best to approach ice cream as a treat and opt for natural, less processed options when possible.

1. The research suggests that erythritol, a common artificial sweetener, can have negative impacts on health, particularly cardiovascular and brain vascular health, due to its effects on brain blood vessel cells, oxidative stress, nitric oxide levels, and endothelin-1.
2. Despite the popularity of erythritol for its minimal calorie count, lack of significant impact on insulin or blood sugar levels, and sweetness comparable to sugar, emerging scientific evidence indicates that this sweetener may come with risks for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
3. When considering ice cream as a part of a health-and-wellness routine, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners like erythritol and to opt for natural, less processed options when possible, including low-sugar, high-protein, and dairy-free varieties.

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