When temperatures warm up, nothing sounds more refreshing than cool ice cream. The trouble with ice cream is that it does have a lot of sugar, but we cannot resist that cooling sensation it delivers.
The good news for you is that there is a recipe for healthy and vegan ice cream. Not only can you promote health, but it’s great for everyone, and it’s guaranteed to keep you cool all summer long.
Vegan Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1 pineapple or 4 cups frozen pineapple
coconut flakes (as much as you like)
Directions:
Break bananas into smaller pieces, and if using fresh pineapple, cut them into small pieces so that they fit in the food processor. Put banana and pineapple into a food processor and blend for 60 seconds, or until smooth. Scoop into a freezer-safe dish and freeze for approximately 2 hours until frozen.
Serve and sprinkle coconut flakes on top. For extra creaminess and extra coconut flavor, add the cream from one 13.5-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk.
Healthy Ingredients
When it comes to healthy ice cream, all that matters is the ingredients. Many store-bought versions are loaded with dairy and sugar, which can work against your health goals.
Making this recipe from bananas and pineapple helps keep your health goals on track, and you still get the same refreshing sensation you love. There are also a number of health benefits to pineapples and bananas, which makes them ideal ingredients for your new summer treat.
Benefits of Bananas
1. Blood Sugar Support
Bananas are full of pectin (a fiber), which supports digestion and helps to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Bananas slow the digestion process as well as stomach emptying, and as a result, they slow the absorption of blood sugar to maintain healthy levels.
2. Heart Health
Bananas are full of potassium, which is a mineral essential to heart health. Potassium can help promote healthy blood pressure as well as support circulatory health. Bananas also contain magnesium, which is important for heart maintenance and health.
3. Kidney Health
Potassium helps support healthy blood pressure levels and circulation and promotes healthy kidney function.
4. Healthy Weight Management
The high fiber content in bananas helps you feel full longer to help you avoid the temptations of processed snacks. In addition to this, bananas are also low in calories, making them an ideal snack for healthy weight management.
5. Antioxidant Support
Like most fruits, bananas are full of powerful antioxidants. Both dopamine and catechins are found in bananas, and these work to help reduce occasional oxidative stress.
Benefits of Pineapple
1. Antioxidant Capacity
Like bananas, pineapples are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce typical oxidative stress. The actions of the flavonoids and phenols, in particular, will support cell and tissue health.
2. Digestive Aid
Pineapple contains a powerful enzyme known as bromelain. This enzyme is a protease that works to break down proteins into amino acids. By promoting proper food digestion, bromelain can help reduce occasional indigestion, gas, and bloating.
3. Immune Support
The collection of vitamins and minerals in pineapples helps support immune system function. The compounds in pineapple also support immune cell activity to promote healthy immune responses and stronger defenses against environmental threats.
4. Joint Support
Occasional joint discomfort can disrupt quality of life, but the ability to reduce occasional oxidative stress allows bromelain to promote joint health and mobility.
The Bottom Line
The summer heat can be hard to beat, but ice cream has what it takes to cool you down. With so many tempting ice cream flavors and varieties out there, it can be hard to choose one. To stay cool while staying healthy, try making your own instead. And this nutritious and healthful recipe is a delicious place to start.
