There are several ways ice cream can benefit your health. As per the National Library of Medicine, ice cream contains calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Additionally, ice cream has been linked to improved heart health. The cold temperature of ice cream engages the vagus nerve, which slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure.
Eating ice cream has even been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Beyond physical health, ice cream can also boost mood and mental health. When consumed in moderation, ice cream can be a healthy treat that nourishes the body and mind.
Image credit: Freepik
7 Health Benefits Of Eating Ice Cream
Important Micronutrients
Ice cream is made with milk and cream. They give ice cream calcium for strong bones and teeth. As per the National Library of Medicine, they also add vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium. Riboflavin and vitamin A from milk and cream help your body convert food into energy. In addition, phosphorus helps build strong bones and teeth.
Image credit: Freepik
Strong Bones
Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong. It also helps the heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Dairy foods like milk, yoghurt, and cheese have lots of calcium. According to the National Library of Medicine, other foods like broccoli, almonds, and canned fish with bones also provide calcium.
Excellent Source of Energy
Carbohydrates in ice cream get broken down into glucose, which fuels every cell in the body. The brain especially needs lots of glucose since it uses so much energy. To make sure there's always enough, any extra glucose gets stored as glycogen when you eat sugary or carb-heavy foods. This reserve tank of glycogen can be tapped into later if the glucose levels drop too low.
Image credit: Freepik
Keeps Bodies Running Smoothly
Fat is important for good health. It gives energy and helps use vitamins. Fat also keeps the membranes around cells working well. Since the body has trillions of cells, you need to eat enough fat to keep them all in good shape. Getting some fat each day helps our cells function and our bodies stay strong.
Helps Feel Satisfied!
Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and milk contain fat that makes you feel fuller compared to low-fat foods. The fat in dairy slows down digestion, keeping you satisfied for longer after a meal. Choosing full-fat dairy under control can be a good option for controlling portions and feeling satisfied until the next meal.
Image credit: Freepik
Boosts Mood
When you eat ice cream, it releases hormones like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These hormones make you feel happy. Dopamine is called the "reward" chemical because it gives us pleasure when we do fun things like eat yummy treats. Serotonin helps regulate our mood, sleep, digestion, and other body functions. Ice cream activates the taste buds to send signals to the brain to release more of these "happy hormones."
Helps Maintain Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet means enjoying all foods. Having ice cream is sometimes part of a healthy diet. A balanced diet involves savouring foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins while also allowing room for treats.
Image credit: Freepik
This involves nourishing both the body and the mind. A balanced diet includes all food groups since they all provide different benefits.
