July is National Ice Cream Month and for the St. Louis Dairy Council, it is another great opportunity to spread awareness of the health benefits associated with dairy products. President Reagan named July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984, as ice cream was recognized as a fun and nutritious food. Spreading the word about healthy ice cream habits is Kelsey Bentlage, the Nutrition Educator and Dietitian for the St. Louis Dairy Council.

In moderation, ice cream can provide benefits for one’s health in terms of a person's daily dairy intake. Bentlage says that ice cream may have a bad wrap in the healthy food department, but ice cream has a home in the right diet.

There are many new flavors making their way to grocery store shelves. The ice cream industry generates over $21 billion in sales yearly, causing there to be an influx in styles of ice cream, Bentlage says that chocolate and vanilla remain at the top of the list.

There are healthy options for ice cream lovers that can substitute the classic soft serve feel. Frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream that is lower in calories. Bentlage says that the recommended serving size for ice cream is half of a serving, about the size of a tennis ball.

A new take on ice cream could turn the late-night, unhealthy snack, into a healthy breakfast with the proper nutrients to fill one's system. Ice cream from cottage cheese is a trend making the rounds on social media. Bentlage has tried the healthier alternative and can say that she has enjoyed it.

Learn about ice cream information and all the St. Louis Dairy Council has to offer at, https://www.stldairycouncil.org/. Or Visit the St. Louis Dairy Council’s social media sites at stldairycouncil.

Kelsey Bentlage appeared on the WTIM Morning Show as a guest.