Tufts study says ice cream is healthier than a bagel (2024)

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Tufts study says ice cream is healthier than a bagel? ›

A new study suggests ice cream is better for you than a multigrain bagel. Researchers at Tufts University ranked the nutrition of foods on a scale of one to 100, with 100 being the most healthful. A cone with nuts and chocolate scored a 37, while a multigrain bagel with raisins scored 19.

“Compared to white bread, ice cream is healthier. It is well known that if you eat white bread or if you eat ice cream, and you have diabetes, you get a much healthier glucose response from eating the ice cream than eating the bread.”

Ice cream's low glycemic index, minerals, and vitamins make it a healthier choice compared to other desserts such as candy, soda, or cake. Although ice cream is a dessert, it can be eaten in moderation. Remember, the research is based on eating only one-half cup of ice cream per day.

At the moment, we simply don't have enough good quality evidence to suggest that ice cream definitely has any health benefits. But a couple of small portions a week – paired with an otherwise healthy diet and exercise regime – is unlikely to do much harm.

Bagels can be healthy if made with whole grains, contain minimal fat and sugar, and are an appropriate portion size for your health goals. For a healthier choice, look for whole wheat, whole grain, or rye bagels. While bagels with cream cheese are delicious, traditional cream cheese is not necessarily healthy.

Some good news if you love sweets and are trying to maintain a healthy diet. A new study suggests ice cream is better for you than a multigrain bagel. Researchers at Tufts University ranked the nutrition of foods on a scale of one to 100, with 100 being the most healthful.

Oldson recommends Haagen-Dazs as her top ice cream choice for a healthy diet, since this brand uses only “cream, skim milk, cane sugar, egg yolks and vanilla extract” to make vanilla ice cream. Elizabeth Quinn, a certified nutritionist and the creator of Whole Story Nutrition, agreed.

If you consume too much of it, it can cause weight gain, visceral fat, fat around the waist circumference (aka love handles!). It can also lead to diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, increased cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The Healthiest Bagels. Multigrain, sesame, everything, cinnamon sugar, Asiago—there are so many bagel flavors to love. But some are healthier than others. If you're picking up bagels at the grocery store, look for whole-wheat or whole-grain flour in the ingredients list and at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber.

It's much smarter to stick to half a bagel and just enjoy the other half for another breakfast. Bottom Line: Save the bagels for one day a week. When you do enjoy it, have a half along with some protein to help keep you satisfied.

Is it better to eat a bagel or a donut? ›

Donuts are usually made with a white flour, while bagels can be made using whole grain flours, which would provide even more protein and fiber. Because of this, bagels are the healthier choice between the two.

The diet suggests that you can add the sweet creamy treat to your daily life and still lose weight. This isn't because ice cream contains any magic weight loss powers, but because you're limiting calories. In addition to ice cream, dieters are given low fat, high fiber meal plans.

When it comes to flavor and satisfaction, ice cream is a clear 10 out of 10. But it's also packed with sugar, calories and sometimes artificial additives, so from a health-conscious perspective, it feels like something you should only eat once in a while ― and certainly not every day.

Frozen yogurt has a similar consistency to ice cream but is a healthier option. Yogurt is used as the base, often sweetened with sugar, fruit or other additives.