Cold refreshments and desserts are the rage nowadays because of the extreme heat.

And just in time for summer heat, the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DoST-FNRI) developed a low-fat, low-sugar ice cream which is not only refreshing but also healthy for the body.

Not everyone can indulge in high-sugar and high-fat desserts. Those who have hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are discouraged from sugary, fatty desserts.

But just because a person does not have those diseases, it does not mean that one should binge on high-sugar and high-fat desserts. It does not hurt to be just a little bit more conscious when it comes to health, said the FNRI.

The FNRI suggests that people must avoid or at least lessen the consumption of food rich in sugar and fat to avoid lifestyle-related diseases.

This is the reason why the FNRI continues to develop food products which do not only satisfy consumers but also improve the nutritional status of the Filipinos.

The low-fat, low-sugar ice cream was developed by a group led by Ma. Elena Fernandez, a senior science research specialist at the FNRI.

The product may last for more than 50 weeks with the right freezing temperature. It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavor.

The FNRI is ready to transfer the technology for commercialization to interested institutions or individuals who will strictly comply with the basic specifications of the technology and maintain the nutritional quality and safety of the product according to the FNRI standards.