The warm days of summer make you crave for something cool and creamy. Before you head over to the freezer to grab the last of the Rocky Road, you may want to consider your options. Gelato (Italian ice cream) is a healthier alternative to regular ice cream and will give you the same amount, if not more satisfaction when you are looking for a sweet indulgence on a summer afternoon.
Moreover, Gelato is very light, has a smooth texture and is very flavorful. Whether you are treating yourself or taking the kids out for a break, make a wise decision and enjoy something that is tasteful and healthy.
Here are five great reasons to eat Gelato:
1. Gelato is low fat. The primary ingredient in gelato is milk, as oppose to cream used for making ice cream. Traditional ice cream has 18-30% fat content vs. Gelato has only 2-9% fat. And when you do eat the fat, you get to taste real strawberries and pistachio, whereas the fatty acids, triglycerides or trans fats found in ice cream block your taste buds and prevent the flavors from reaching you.
2. Gelato has half the calories you find in ice cream. That makes a huge difference when you are trying to maintain that beach body!
3. Generally no artificial flavoring or ingredients are used to make Gelato. A basic recipe contains whole milk, cream, egg yolks and sugar. Fresh fruits, nuts and chocolate are added for flavor. You already know that eating real food is better for you.
4. Gelato is gluten-free. If you are allergic to cakes, pies, breads and other desserts that have flour in them, your best option is Gelato. Even diabetics can consume Gelato in moderate amounts. This is because the sugars used are largely in the form of saccharose (composed of glucose and fructose) which does not raise the glycemic levels as much as say potatoes.
5. There are health benefits to eating Gelato. It contains high levels of protein, vitamin B, calcium and phosphorus. These are necessary for good health and especially important for children, seniors, pregnant women and athletes.
Now if you are craving for this dense, creamy, natural dessert, you can make it yourself at home. International food and travel writer, cooking instructor and certified Gelato maker, Sucheta Rawal gives you step by step recipe for making Gelato at home using a simple ice cream machine. There are also recipes for Mango, Blueberry and Dulce de Leche, so don’t forget to browse through the recipe section.
~ Sucheta Rawal is an international food and travel writer and cooking instructor. She is a certified gelato maker from the Gelato and Pastry Institute of America and believes in eating fresh, healthy and authentic. She has traveled to over 35 countries and learned to cook almost every cuisine. Through her movement, Go Eat Give, Sucheta encourages people to learning about different cultures through food and community service. To learn more visit www.goeatgive.com
Source: http://www.tourdefit.com/blog/five-reasons-to-eat-gelato/