Since I was a kid, ice cream has been a staple to my summer experience. When someone mentions the word “summer,” I get flashbacks to a local ice cream place within walking distance to my home back in Cary. I think about the warm summer nights, not too hot and not too cool, spent with my family or friends, sitting outside and enjoying a cup of that sugary frozen delicacy topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. I have nothing but good associations with this sweet treat, nothing but fond memories of freedom and happiness.
One thing that is not happy about my ice cream addiction, however, is my waistline.
As the summer months roll around again, I find myself craving ice cream but facing the fact that it’s basically frozen sugar and cream. Because I’m trying to get in shape and generally adopt a healthier lifestyle, it’s time to explore alternatives. One such alternative that seems to be all the rage in Wilmington is frozen yogurt, or “froyo.” But is frozen yogurt really better for you? Is it healthy at all? It definitely tastes like soft serve. There’s no way something healthy can also taste good, right? I mean, that’s too good to be true.
Actually…it turns out, it can.
Frozen yogurt’s nutrition starts at the beginning. Yogurt is a fermented food made by adding live bacterial cultures to milk.
“…there are bacteria in my frozen yogurt,” you say to yourself with horror.
Actually, this is the good kind of bacteria, like the kind you would find in cheese. The bacteria in yogurt promote fermentation, releasing lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives yogurt its thick, smooth consistency. Turning regular yogurt into frozen yogurt is a lot like making ice cream. The difference, and this is what makes froyo healthy, is that instead of the cream, you use yogurt. This cuts out a significant amount of fat, and also has higher amounts of minerals and nutrients. An 8 oz, or 1 cup, serving of yogurt can provide almost half your daily calcium allowance!
Back to that bacteria. The bacteria in yogurt are actually one of the main sources of yogurt’s nutritional value. When eaten, bacteria reside in your intestines and help to fight and protect against cancer, including colon and breast cancers. Aside from your immune system, the bacteria also work as a probiotic, improving your digestive health.
The bottom line: Yes. Frozen yogurt is good for you. Definitely, significantly better than feeding your (my) ice cream addiction. But, like anything else, you should enjoy in moderation. With tons of fresh fruit toppings and amazing flavor combinations to choose from at SurfBerry, I’m sure I can find something that suits whatever mood I’m in, whether I want something healthy or a sweet indulgence that’s guilt free!