Ice cream is the most favorite summer treat for children, which - like most of you remember from our childhood - leads to an informal "competition" for what has consumed most.
The annual consumption of ice cream in Europe stands at 6.5 pounds pro person, the greatest quantities consumed from June to late August.
Although the wonderful flavors of ice cream, and temporary cooling sensation that it offers, makes it irresistible taste preference for our little friends, we need to examine the nutritional value and the conditions for safe consumption.
In order to evaluate the nutritional value of ice cream, you must check the raw materials used for manufacturing. Generally, the raw materials used are: milk, eggs, cocoa, butter, cream, fruit juices, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilizers, dyes and perfumes.
It can also be added chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, fruit syrup, chocolate pieces, nuts, fruit pieces etc..
Milk is the main ingredient in ice cream can be used in various forms, such as fresh whole, skim, condensed, powdered whole milk or skimmed milk.
In this context, the iced milk that has nutritional value and can be a source for the child to receive many nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and trace elements).
Energy (calories)
Eating 100 grams of ice cream delivers 75 to 240 calories, depending on the type of ice cream. However, the simplest is the ice fewer calories takes the human body: a stick of vanilla ice cream delivers far fewer calories than a stick coated with chocolate or a cone.
Proteins
Children take the ice milk proteins, which are of high biological value, ie containing amino acids which can not be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from food.
Carbohydrates
The carb ice cream mainly from sweeteners and lactose in milk.Carbohydrates are useful to the body because they are a direct source of energy that can be used for the smooth functioning of the central nervous system, protection of proteins tissue etc.It has also been found that the lactose in children helps calcium absorption, metal necessary to build strong bones.
Ice cream is a good choice snack before any athletic activity, performance of which requires considerable amount of glucose.
Fatty
The fat of ice cream comes mainly from fat milk and some other potentially existing ingredients like butter and cream. Milk fat provides energy, fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). Also, milk is a good source of linoleic acid - an ingredient which has a protective effect against chronic disease and breast cancer. Of course in ice cream (more on the parfait) are saturated fatty acids, which have detrimental effect on the body.
Minerals and vitamins
The most important mineral found in ice cream is calcium.Calcium is absolutely necessary for the child as it is considered indispensable for the formation of strong bones and teeth, and the smooth functioning of the myocardium.
Ice cream is also a good source of phosphorus - a role in metabolism and absorption of calcium - zinc, potassium and iron.
It also contains vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B6 and B12, which are necessary for the development and smooth functioning of the child organism.
How often and what kinds
Although the ice appears to have significant nutritional value, in no case should lead to irrational and excessive consumption.
The ice cream is rich in calories and can lead to weight gain, which is particularly dangerous for those already overweight children. Also, you should seriously consider that sweeteners containing ice can contribute to decay. Attention should be paid to the fat and especially saturated fats and cholesterol - factors that can adversely affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
On this basis, the children can eat ice cream 1-2 times a week, or as a dessert or as snack.
If we want our child to be fitted with a variety of nutrients, it is preferable to manufacture homemade ice cream, choosing the best raw materials.
If the manufacture of ice cream is not feasible, it is advisable to choose for our children ice cream low-fat and sugar and no bright colors because the color of ice cream is usually the result of pigments. A good choice is the granite or sorbet, which contain almost no fat and are low in calories.
In conclusion, the ice cream is a tasty treat, with high nutritional value when consumed wisely and above all with care, especially in vulnerable age groups such as children.
Which ice cream should not be eaten
When you eat ice cream trade we should be careful because the increased content of ice cream in milk, making it vulnerable to food. Eating ice cream inappropriate can lead to food poisoning.
To reduce this risk should not be consumed ice cream which:
* Does not have the required hardness or stored in a freezer that seems to have problems functioning.
* Have wet paper bags glued onto the food or torn, or deformed shape or packaging.
* They are soft, watery, with a texture that resembles that of yogurt or butter or grains of sand.
* They have pellet or crumble into small pieces or contain crystals (this practically means that the ice thawed and then frozen again).
* They have strange taste or odor,
What to watch in "bulk" ice cream
If the ice bought in bulk, you should:
* To check the operation and cleaning of the refrigerator
* Be sure that the refrigerator is not in direct sunlight.
* Be sure that the special serving spoon is transparent container with clean water.
