Ice cream is a beloved treat enjoyed by many, but have you ever considered the health benefits of ice cream made from mare’s milk? According to a study conducted by scientists at the West Pomeranian University of Technology, mare’s milk ice cream is not only creamy and visually appealing but also offers a range of health benefits.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in functional foods, which are foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Mare’s milk is considered a functional food due to its unique composition. It has a low casein-to-whey protein ratio, high lactose concentration, and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition. Additionally, mare’s milk contains bioactive compounds, enzymes, and proteins that may have medicinal properties, potentially helping to prevent or treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.
The researchers in the study created four types of ice cream from mare’s milk, using different bacteria and additional ingredients such as inulin, a prebiotic that supports beneficial bacteria in the gut. They tested factors such as melting rate, consistency, creaminess, taste, nutritional value, and overall appearance of the ice creams. The team prepared 60 samples of ice cream for sensory, physicochemical, textural, and microbiological analyses.
The taste-testers, comprised of 60 human volunteers, found all of the ice cream samples to be creamy, visually attractive, and with a good taste and texture. While the ice creams melted quickly due to their low fat content, they were described as having a pleasant, creamy taste. The ice cream containing both yogurt bacteria and inulin was noted to have a slight acidic flavor, but overall, the color and taste of all the samples were uniform and appealing.
Mare’s milk ice cream is not only a delicious frozen treat but also a nutritious option that offers potential health benefits. The researchers involved in the study concluded that mare’s milk is a suitable raw material for yoghurt ice cream and synbiotic ice cream production, making it a valuable functional food that can contribute to consumer health.
Overall, this study highlights the potential of mare’s milk as a unique and beneficial ingredient for creating tasty and health-conscious ice cream options. As functional foods continue to gain popularity, mare’s milk stands out as a promising addition to the list of nutritious food choices. So, next time you’re craving a frozen treat, consider indulging in some mare’s milk ice cream for a delicious and healthy option.