Health Benefits of Vegan Ice-Cream
With the rise of veganism, more delicious & creative plant-based food options exist now than ever. For example, ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in the world. However, traditional ice cream contains dairy, which can be problematic for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Fortunately, dairy-free or vegan ice cream made with plant-based ingredients is now widely available worldwide, offering a delicious alternative with various health benefits.
Let's explore the health benefits of vegan (dairy-free) ice cream, the differences between normal & vegan ice cream, & discover some popular vegan ice cream brands.
Benefits of Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Ice cream is a cold, semi-solid food typically made by combining unfrozen ingredients such as milk, sugar, & fat, along with optional additives. Vegan ice cream is a delicious alternative for those looking to reduce their dairy intake or adopt a plant-based diet. Besides satisfying your sweet tooth, dairy-free ice cream offers numerous benefits.
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These health benefits include:
Benefits of Vegan Ice-Cream:
1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Vegan ice cream made with plant-based ingredients can help lower cholesterol levels since they contain no animal products. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to heart disease & stroke, so consuming vegan ice cream can benefit those with high cholesterol.
2. High in Plant-based Nutrients such as Vitamins & Minerals:
Vegan ice cream made with plant-based ingredients can be a good source of vitamins & minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, & potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones, teeth, & a healthy immune system.
3. Digestive Health:
Vegan ice cream made with plant-based ingredients may be easier to digest for some people than traditional ice cream made with dairy products. This is because lactose intolerance affects many people, & consuming dairy products can cause digestive issues. Vegan ice cream is lactose-free, making it a good alternative for lactose-intolerant people.
Also, vegan ice cream made from plant-based ingredients is a good source of fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient that can help regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and control blood sugar.
4. Environmental friendly:
The production of dairy products requires a large amount of water & energy, & it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing vegan ice cream can help reduce the environmental impact of your food choices.
5. Reduced Saturated Fat:
Dairy-free ice cream typically contains plant-based fats instead of dairy fats, often high in saturated fat. Studies have shown that high saturated fat intake can increase the risk of heart disease & other chronic conditions. By choosing a dairy-free option, individuals can decrease their saturated fat intake & improve their heart health.
6. Lower Calorie:
Dairy-free ice cream is often lower in calories than traditional ice cream made with dairy products. This can help you maintain a healthy weight & reduce your risk of obesity and other weight-related health problems.
Also Check This: What Is Vegan Milk?
Normal Ice Cream Vs Vegan Ice Cream
|
Properties |
Normal Ice Cream |
Vegan Ice Cream |
|
Ingredients |
Made from plant-based ingredients, such as nut milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. |
Typically contains dairy products, such as milk & cream. |
|
Calories |
Lower in calories due to the use of plant-based ingredients with lower fat & sugar content. |
Higher in calories due to the high fat & sugar content. |
|
Saturated Fat |
Lower in saturated fat, which can be beneficial for heart health. |
High in saturated fat, this can be detrimental to heart health. |
|
Sugar |
Lower in sugar, which can be beneficial for weight management & other health concerns. |
High in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain & other health issues. |
|
Texture |
Have creamy, smooth, & soft texture |
Can vary depending on the ingredients used. Some vegan ice creams can be denser, while others can be lighter & fluffier. |
|
Environmental Impact |
Large carbon footprint |
More sustainable |
|
Overrun (amount of air whipped into the ice cream during freezing) |
Higher overrun resulting in a lighter texture |
Lower overrun resulting in a denser texture |
|
Viscosity (thickness or flow-ability of the ice cream) |
Generally has a consistent viscosity |
May have different viscosity due to plant-based ingredients |
|
Melting rate (speed at which the ice cream melts) |
Generally has a consistent melting rate |
May melt faster or slower depending on the type of plant-based milk used |
Note: Normal ice cream may contain various allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, & soy, while vegan ice cream is typically free from these allergens but may contain coconut or almond milk, which can be a concern for those with nut allergies.
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Some Vegan Ice Cream Brands
- Wicked Kitchen: Plant-based food brand that offers a variety of vegan products, including vegan ice cream.
- So Delicious: Specializes in dairy-free & vegan products, including ice cream made with coconut milk.
- Oatly: Popular brand of oat milk-based products, including vegan ice cream.
- NadaMoo: A family-owned business that produces organic, coconut milk-based vegan ice cream.
- Mauna Loa: Hawaiian brand that makes vegan ice cream with macadamia nut milk.
- Coconut Bliss: A dairy-free, gluten-free, & soy-free ice cream brand that uses coconut milk as a base.
Also Check This: What is Vegan Curd?
Conclusion
Veganism is a growing movement, embracing a diet full of whole & plant-based foods. Vegan ice cream is one of the healthy alternative vegan products to traditional ice cream, offering various health benefits without compromising on flavor. Remember, consuming it in moderation is important to reap the full benefits of a balanced diet.
For more savory vegan products, indulge guilt-free with our delicious Sudo Plant-based Foods - the perfect treat for your taste buds & your health!
