Lactose-Free Ice Cream: The Enjoyment for Lactose Intolerant People

As the name implies, lactose-free ice cream is a type of ice-cream that does not contain lactose or one which lactose content has been reduced or eliminated in some way. This ice cream provides an opportunity to lactose intolerant individuals to continue enjoying this popular dessert.

A lot of people suffer from the symptoms of lactose intolerance. This condition is the outcome of the body's inability to break down and digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. If lactose is not digested well, it will ferment in the lower portions of the intestines, triggering a host of symptoms and discomforts. Basically, for it to be broken down and digested, the cells of the intestinal lining should be able to produce enough lactase enzymes. These enzymes will break down the lactose into two simpler sugar forms: lactose and galactose, which can be digested more easily.

Ice cream needs milk and cream to be developed. However, intolerant individuals who have higher levels of intolerance may not be able to eat ice cream because their symptoms may just be triggered. This is definitely a sad ordeal. However, because more and more people are reporting torments from lactose intolerance, food manufacturers, especially those that offer dairy products and ice cream, have realized the need to develop products for the growing target market.

Lactose-free brands began to invade spaces in grocery freezer displays.

To produce this product, the milk and cream that will be included in the recipe should be lactose-free or lactose-reduced. This is the most efficient and most common way of creating lactose-free dessert. Although it is naturally more expensive than regular ice cream, you can be assured that it will not trigger your lactose intolerance symptoms.

Another way of creating this product is the addition of the lactase enzyme during the processing. In this method, regular milk will be used but lactase enzymes will be added and it will work on breaking down lactose even before the dessert is served before you. Meanwhile, some manufacturers of lactose-free products also make use of milk substitutes such as coconut milk.

You can actually create your own treats at home. There are recipes online that you can use and follow to come up with your own ice cream. The basic recipes will do - all you have to do is substitute what needs to be substituted. For instance, instead of using regular milk, you may purchase lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk. You may also choose from the several milk substitutes available: coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk and rice milk. However, be careful with how you measure these substitutes because they are of different consistency and texture than regular milk.

To ensure that your homemade dessert is nearly 100% lactose-free, substitute the cream with lactose-free products as well. Besides these type of creams, you may want to consider a non-dairy whipped cream or topping.

All in all, to be sure that you don't go through the troubles brought about by lactose intolerance, make it a habit to check the labels. Check if the product you are purchasing contains milk or lactose. This way, you will reduce the incidence of consuming lactose-filled products that will trigger the discomforting symptoms.

Jerry Angeles is a Lactose-Free expert. For more information on Lactose-Free Ice Cream, visit http://www.whatfoodsarelactosefree.org/.

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Posted in: Cream, Enjoyment, Intolerant, Lactose, LactoseFree, People