Calorie content of cream per 100 grams, the benefits and harms of the product

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Cream has an ivory color and a velvety texture and is thicker and richer than milk. On average, the calorie content of cream is 455 kcal per glass. They add a delicate flavor to many dishes, including soups and sauces. The most common types of cream you can find commercially are heavy (30%), medium (20%) and light (10-12%).

What is this product?

Cream is a thick component that is extracted from milk. The less dense fat rises on top of the liquid and can be easily separated from it. This process is accelerated using centrifuges called separators. According to the fat content, cream is divided into different grades. Either way, they are high in saturated fat.

Heavy cream is the thickest and most nutritious variety. They contain at least 30% milk fat. For half a glass (per 100 grams), the calorie content of this type of cream is about 414 kcal. They contain approximately 28 grams of saturated fat.

Medium creamcontain about 20% milk fat. They are mainly added to coffee, and are also used for baking and soups. The calorie content of this type of cream is about 350 kilocalories per glass (and 170 kcal per 100 grams, respectively). They contain 23 grams of saturated fat.

The light variety is a mixture of cream and whole milk in equal parts. This product contains 10 to 12% milk fat. The calorie content of 10 percent fat cream is 315 kilocalories per glass. They contain 17 grams of saturated fat.

Are they he althy?

Regardless of the fat content, cream contains nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, vitamin A and phosphorus. Any variety of them can be beneficial to he alth if used wisely. Even though heavy cream contains so much fat, it can even reduce the overall calorie content of the dish. This product can be easily whipped and expanded. So, whipping half a glass of heavy cream will give you a whole glass of whipped cream. This is because due to the density they are filled with air. Moreover, this can be done not only with a mixer or blender, but also with an ordinary whisk. As a result, the calorie content of whipped cream will be 257 kcal per hundred grams of the product, and its volume will be large.

If you want a thick, creamy texture in soups and baked goods, 20 percent cream is an easier choice that you can use for far fewer calories.

Protein content

Beyond high contentfat and high calorie cream contains a lot of protein. It keeps hair he althy and prevents damage. Research shows that it is protein that plays a vital role in their growth. Due to this property, it is used in the manufacture of conditioners and other care products.

Vitamins in cream

The presence of vitamin A improves vision. It helps the eyes adapt to changes in light and see in the dark. This substance supports the he alth of the retina and reduces the likelihood of macular degeneration and cataract formation, which is associated with aging. Thus, cream is especially useful for patients with glaucoma. Vitamin A also stimulates the immune system and helps the body resist infections. Thanks to the use of this compound, the reaction of lymphocytes, opposite to antigens, increases.

Vitamin B2 is essential for the development and growth of tissues (such as eyes, skin, mucous membranes, connective tissue, immune and nervous systems, and reproductive organs). What's more, it promotes he althy skin, hair, and nails.

Calcium and phosphorus content

Phosphorus is essential for the growth of bones as well as teeth. In combination with calcium, it contributes to the formation of strong bones. Also, this element improves the he alth of the gums and tooth enamel. Thus, the use of cream helps to alleviate the course of serious diseases such as loss of mineral density or bone mass. Phosphorus is also present in the cells of the brain, which is responsible for all the basic functions of the body. The use of thistrace element improves brain function. Phosphorus deficiency increases the likelihood of cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Adequate calcium reduces the risk of premenstrual symptoms such as mood swings, dizziness and hypertension. Deficiency of this mineral promotes the release of hormones that are responsible for irritability as well as depression. Regular intake of calcium has also been shown to reduce the chances of kidney stones.

Other Benefits

Pantothenic acid contained in the cream helps reduce stress and prevent mental problems such as depression and neurosis. Its consumption also helps regulate hormone levels, which are the cause of mental conditions.

Riboflavin is essential for the formation of red blood cells, which aid in oxygenation and blood circulation in the body. This substance is also found in cream of any fat content.

What could be the harm?

Most of the fat in cream is saturated. This explains the high calorie content of cream per 100 grams. Numerous studies have linked excessive consumption of saturated fats to elevated cholesterol levels. In addition, if you regularly consume cream (especially heavy cream), you risk gaining excess weight. This product can be used on a daily basis for preparing various dishes, but only insmall quantity.

Cream production

The production process of cream depends on its type. Nowadays, fat is separated from milk using separators. This process helps to rotate the milk at high speed with the help of an electric motor, so that the milk fat globules are better separated from the denser liquid. The separation continues until the product of the desired fat content is formed.

Whipped cream is formed by combining with air to double the volume. Air bubbles gather in a network of fat droplets.

Sterilized cream requires a long heat treatment. The sterilization process destroys bacteria. Therefore, this product can be stored closed for several months without refrigeration.

Dried cream is made by evaporating liquid. This product can be stored for a very long time. The calorie content of dry cream is approximately 580 kcal per hundred grams. But it is worth noting that this is a very concentrated product. As a rule, it is not eaten in its pure form.

How is it eaten?

Despite the high calorie content of cream, they are used in cooking everywhere. They are added to both sweet and savory, bitter and spicy dishes. Most commonly, cream is used as an ingredient in foods such as soups, sauces, ice cream, stews, cakes, and puddings. Whipped cream is used as a filling for milkshakes, ice cream, sweet cakes and creams.