Horse milk ice cream is a healthier alternative, say scientists
A team of scientists at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Poland has made a groundbreaking discovery. They have found that ice cream made from horse milk could be a healthier alternative to traditional cow's milk-based ice creams. The study, published on PLOS ONE, involved creating four different types of ice cream using horse milk and various bacteria strains.
Horse milk is consumed by various cultures worldwide
The study found that substituting cow's milk with horse milk in ice cream production is a feasible option. This finding is significant as horse milk has been consumed by various cultures worldwide for centuries, due to its perceived health benefits. It has a nutritional profile closer to human milk than cow's milk, and contains beneficial enzymes and proteins not present in the latter.
Potential solution for allergies
Horse milk is also a safe alternative for individuals who are allergic to cow's milk. It has lower fat content, making it a potential ingredient in various food products. The research team created four types of ice cream using horse milk and different bacteria strains, including yogurt bacteria, inulin (a probiotic), lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and lactiplantibacillus.
Volunteers found ice creams creamy, visually appealing
The ice creams were tested for overrun and melting characteristics, as well as protein levels. All batches showed similar results in these aspects. Sixty volunteers who tasted the ice creams found them to be creamy, visually appealing with a good taste and texture. However, the batch containing both yogurt bacteria and inulin had a slightly acidic flavor.
Horse milk ice cream: A source of probiotics
The unique composition of horse milk allows it to be used in making yogurt and synbiotic ice cream. Post-production, the level of probiotics in these products exceeds the necessary therapeutic amount (6.0 log cfu/g), making them a potential source of beneficial bacteria for consumers.
