Could Ice Cream be a Superfood?

One of the ways I try to promote health in my household is to limit the consumption of desserts, such as ice cream and cookies.  I have read time and again how eating too many sweets can contribute to many health problems.  So for years, I have limited desserts to rare occasions.

But last week I learned something astounding: ice cream is the food that most closely resembles breastmilk!  Check out the following comparison from 180 Degree Health:

% fat –

Ice cream – 53%

Breast Milk – 55%

% sugar –

Ice Cream – 39.8%

Breast Milk – 38.7%

% Protein

Ice Cream – 7.3%

Breast Milk – 6.3%

% Saturated Fat

Ice cream – 57%

Breast milk – 45%

% Monounsaturated Fat

Ice Cream – 27%

Breast Milk – 38%

% Polyunsaturated Fat

Ice Cream – 3.5%

Breast Milk – 9.7%

% Omega 3 fatty acids

Ice Cream – 1.38%

Breast Milk – 1.19%

% Omega 6 fatty acids

Ice Cream – 2.2%

Breast Milk – 8.5%

Calcium per 100 calories

Ice Cream – 59 mg

Breast Milk – 46 mg

Cholesterol per 100 calories

Ice Cream – 40 mg

Breast Milk – 20 mg

So breastmilk and ice cream are surprisingly similar in their nutrient composition (and this comparison uses a high-fat ice cream, like Haagen Daz)!  Obviously, there are many things in breastmilk that babies need (such as antibodies and probiotics), so ice cream is no substitute for breastmilk for an infant.  But what about kids who have already weaned? 

Give the Kids (and Pregnant Ladies) Some Ice Cream!
The nutritional comparison shows that ice cream could indeed be a superb growth-promoting food. In particular, children, pregnant ladies, and nursing mothers could potentially benefit from eating more ice cream.

I found this comparison shocking, to say the least. It has really gotten my head spinning. One thing is for sure: I'm going to be making lots of ice cream!  There will be more ice cream for every member of our household, from my small-for-age daughter to my low-weight husband to myself who provides milk for an avid-nursing-toddler. This is one change that will be embraced by us all. Mmmm, raw cream, honey, egg yolks, wow!  I'd better get to churning. 

Do you find the nutritional comparison to breastmilk to be surprising?  Will you be allowing more ice cream for your kids?  How about trying some homemade mint ice cream, blackberry ice cream, vanilla chocolate chip ice cream, or strawberry ice cream?

This post is part of Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Fat Tuesday, Seasonal Celebration, Monday Mania and Fight Back Friday!