The Health Benefits of Coconut and Fig Ice Cream: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
Ice cream is a universally loved dessert, but what if we told you that you could indulge in a sweet treat while reaping health benefits at the same time? We’ll explore the nutritional advantages of coconut and fig ice cream, made using all-natural ingredients. Specifically, we’ll delve into the health benefits of fresh figs, their low glycemic index, the cancer-fighting properties of figs, the reasons for choosing raw and unheated honey, and the potential role of honey in cancer prevention.
Health Benefits of Fresh Figs
Fresh figs, the star ingredient in this delightful ice cream recipe, offer a range of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet.
1.1 Figs’ Low Glycemic Index: Figs have a low glycemic index (GI), which means they release sugars into the bloodstream slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This characteristic makes figs an excellent choice for individuals concerned about managing their blood sugar levels and maintaining stable energy throughout the day.
1.2 Figs and Cancer-Fighting Polyphenols: Research suggests that figs are rich in polyphenols, natural compounds with antioxidant properties. Polyphenols have been associated with various health benefits, including their potential to fight against cancer cells. A study published in PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25757495/) highlights the cancer-fighting potential of polyphenols found in figs, making them an attractive addition to a cancer-fighting diet.
Why Choose Raw, Unheated, and Local Honey?
The recipe calls for maple syrup or honey, but let’s explore the reasons why opting for raw, unheated, and local honey can enhance both the taste and the nutritional profile of your ice cream.
Honey and Cancer: Raw, unheated honey contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and phenolic compounds. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and have been the subject of scientific research into their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. While further studies are needed, including honey as a sweetener in your ice cream recipe could potentially offer additional health benefits.
Healthy desserts minus the guilt
With the right choice of ingredients, ice cream can be more than just a delicious treat; it can also provide health benefits. By using fresh figs, which boast a low glycemic index and cancer-fighting polyphenols, and considering raw, unheated, and local honey, which may offer additional health advantages, you can indulge in a guilt-free dessert. So go ahead and whip up a batch of coconut and fig ice cream, knowing that each creamy spoonful brings both pleasure and nourishment to your body.
Disclaimer – Whilst I have taken all the care possible to calculate the methionine to the closest level, I cannot guarantee that this is correct as there is not a lot of data available to support exact methionine content. Please adhere to the weight of food over cup measurements.
Ingredients
- 400 mls Full Fat Coconut Milk
- 1 medium ripe banana.
- ¼ C Macadamia Nut Butter.
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup or Honey
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon.
- 400 g Fresh Figs.
Instructions
- Combine the coconut cream, banana, macadamia butter and the honey/maple in a blender.
- Add cinnamon to taste.
- Place the sliced figs into the ice cream molds and pour the blended mixture in.
- Tap the mold on the bench to expel any air bubbles. The mixture will settle and you can then add some more.
- Place ice cream sticks into the center of the mold and freeze overnight.
