Heavy Cream Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits

Though whipped heavy cream is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of heavy cream, this versatile product can also be used for many other things. Because it has a milk fat content of at least 36 percent, one of the heavy cream nutrition facts is it can produce those soft peaks (by comparison, whole milk has about 3.25 percent milkfat).

Because it is a dairy product, heavy cream does contain some nutrients. These nutrients include protein, vitamins A and D, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. However, in order to derive any significant nutritional advantage from it, you would have to drink a large quantity of it, which is not practical due to its high-calorie content.

Consider heavy cream as a strategic ingredient that may make them even more delightful when added to healthy recipes and foods. You can add a splash to soups or salads, whisk a tablespoon into eggs for a fluffier scramble, swirl some into your coffee or tea, or whip in a spoonful to enrich your mashed sweet potatoes. All of these preparations are delicious! Naturally, eat a teaspoon whisked over top of fruit for a delectable dessert that does not include any added sugar.

Nutritional Information Regarding Heavy Cream

The below data was shared by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the nutritional value of one cup (238 grams) of fluid heavy cream.

• Calories: 809
• Fat: 85.9g
• Sodium: 64.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 6.76g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 6.95g
• Protein: 6.8g
• Carbs

Lactose, a kind of sugar that occurs naturally in milk and other dairy products, contributes to heavy cream's relatively low carbohydrate content, yet, it does include some carbohydrates. Two tablespoons of cream, the same as one-fourth of a cup of whipped cream, has slightly less than one gram (0.9g) of carbohydrates. The reason behind it is that it is highly unlikely that you will consume a substantial portion of cream all at once.

Fats

Heavy cream has a high percentage of fat, with about 11 grams (10.8g) of fat present in just two tablespoons. It primarily comprises monounsaturated fat (2.7g) with a trace amount of polyunsaturated fat (0.1g). The total amount of fat is 6.9g (0.5g).

Protein

Heavy cream, like other dairy products, contains protein; however, compared to other dairy products, such as yogurt, which has more protein for the same number of calories, heavy cream is not a suitable choice as a source of protein. Other dairy products, such as yogurt, include: Protein content in two teaspoons' worth of heavy cream comes in at a little under one gram (0.9g).

Vitamins And Other Essential Minerals

You would have to consume a lot of heavy creams, so you can get significant amounts of any of these nutrients. The components of heavy cream micronutrients can boost health, such as vitamins A and D, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Moreover, you would need to consume a lot of heavy cream in order to get these nutrients. Because vitamins A and D are soluble in fat, and because heavy cream contains a considerable amount of fat, it makes it easier for your body to absorb the vitamins.

Calories

Even though one cup of heavy cream has upwards of 800 calories, it is highly improbable that a person would consume this volume of cream in a single sitting. There are approximately 51 calories in a serving size, which is more typical, one tablespoon. 1

The Advantages To One's Health

The health benefits of heavy cream come from its protein and fat content, as well as the micronutrients it contains. However, the primary benefit of heavy cream is that it enhances the flavor and satiety of other nutritious foods. For instance, a cup of tomato soup on its own is tasty and nutritious, but when you add a tablespoon or so of heavy cream to it, the soup takes on a much more decadent flavor and makes you feel much fuller. In addition, because heavy cream contains fat, the vitamins A, E, and K found in the soup are more readily available for the body to absorb. 2

Allergies

Heavy cream should not be consumed by anyone with an allergy to dairy products. An allergic reaction to dairy can cause symptoms such as vomiting or other digestive issues, wheezing, or hives to varying degrees. These reactions can also be minor or severe.

Those who have trouble digesting lactose should also stay away from thick cream. Digestion's inability to lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products, is the condition known as lactose intolerance. This condition is not the same as an allergy. People who are lactose intolerant either do not have the lactase enzyme or do not have enough of it. As a result, these individuals cannot break down lactose and may have bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Keeping Food Safe while Storing It

If it is stored properly, heavy cream can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for approximately one week after it has been opened. To ensure heavy cream and other dairy products remain at their optimal temperature for as long as possible, store them on a lower shelf and further toward the rear of the refrigerator. Since the temperature in the refrigerator door swings, most heavy cream, and other dairy products storage locations are elsewhere.

If your heavy cream smells foul or has grown very lumpy, these are both signs that it has gone bad and should be thrown out.