This long-awaited moment when we finally reach the bottom of the cone to bite into this little chocolate-coated piece could well be called into question, and this, for health reasons. This crunchy element, often described as the best part of ice cream, is said to be bad for your health.
If the ice creams are already singled out because of their sometimes excessive sugar content, the little piece of chocolate that adorns the bottom of the cone would be a problem. A Dutch chemist, Bert Weckhuysen of the University of Utrecht, drew attention to the potential risks associated with this chocolate treat during a conference broadcast on Youtubeas reported scullion.
Beware of the process by which the chocolate at the bottom of the ice cream is hardened!
In order to avoid that the ice does not flow too quickly on the fingers, manufacturers use a process calledhydrogenation to solidify the base of the horn. However, this process makes the chocolate rich in saturated fatty acids.
The expert recalled the existence of two types of fatty acids, namely saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. THE saturated fatty acids are characterized by being solid at room temperature and they are present in foods such as butter. These foods in excessive quantities, have harmful effects on health. On the contrary, the molecular chains of unsaturated fatty acids form “bends” and are liquid at room temperature, as in olive oil. This type of fatty acid is known to play several essential roles in the proper functioning of the human body.
What is hydrogenation?
This process involves theadding a molecule specific to another compound, in this case the chocolate. This converts the unsaturated fats in saturated fat. Hydrogenation makes chocolate more solid and resistant to heat. Unfortunately, this type of fat is the one that nutrition experts advise limiting in our diets, as it raises cholesterol levels, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and promotes heart disease. weight gain. The study by chemist Bert Weckhuysen points out that eating the end of the cone would amount to consuming more bad fats than in the scoop of ice cream itself.
It is therefore advisable to think twice before giving in to the temptation of the last piece of chocolate at the bottom of the cone. As with any gustatory pleasure, the moderation is appropriate. Enjoying a cone of ice cream once in a while shouldn’t pose a major problem for most people, but it’s important to be aware of the food choices what we do to maintain our long-term health.
Sources:
- Seethis is why you shouldn’t eat the chocolate end of ice cream cones, Marmiton
- Why shouldn’t you eat the bottom end of your ice cream cone? (Dutch).youtube.com
- Focusing on food sources of unsaturated fats provides many health benefits.observatoireprevention.org
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