How nutritious are ice creams, yoghurts and snow cones?

They may be the best heat quenchers, but flavoured ice creams and yoghurts may not fair well on the nutritional and rehydration scale.

Washington: They may be the best heat quenchers on a sultry afternoon, but the variedly flavoured ice creams and yoghurts may not fair well on the nutritional and rehydration scale.

According to an analysis by national food expert Suzy Weems, of Baylor University, ice creams are "not the most nutrient-rich source, but a source."It does have calcium along with Vitamin D, Vitamin A and some of the B-vitamins to help with energy release, along with about 2.5 to 3 grams of protein - not much, but more than none," she said. However, there`s the question of whether it`s worth the calories, about 145 for a half-cup of vanilla, 160 for chocolate chip, depending on the brand and richness. Weems revealed that frozen yoghurt is pretty much the same when it comes to health value, despite carrying fewer calories, almost 117 for a half cup of vanilla, a little more calcium and protein. "Sweetness doesn`t quench your thirst, but few people are going to drink water after a snow cone," Weems added. For those who relish the frozen treats, the snow cone contains ninety calories per ounce of syrup while the sugar-free syrup has only about 3.5 calories. For diehard snow cone lovers, though, Weems suggested the pickle-juice cone, as sour taste triggers the craving to drink, and when the thermometer climbs, "the more you drink, the more you sweat. When sweat evaporates, you`re cooler," She said. ANI