Ice cream is a common dessert option we opt for when we are sad, stressed or celebratory. Most of us indulge ourselves with gelato, frozen yogurt cups, or another dessert from time to time, especially during summer. With the invention of home machines came ice cream vans, sundaes, and well-known brands like ‘‘Ben and Jerry’s” and ‘‘Haagen-Dazs” that we still consume today. Thanks to President Reagan, Americans celebrate National Ice Cream Day every third Sunday in July, indicating I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream on that day. Nevertheless, is it really good to eat ice cream from a health perspective?
The overall health effect of ice cream
Unexpectedly, eating ice cream brings both pros and cons. Ice cream is highly loaded with vitamins and minerals. Because ice cream contains milk and milk solids, it provides your body with vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Aside from that, the various flavors add extra nutrition. Dark chocolate ice cream, for example, is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health. Calcium is an important mineral for bone health. Our bodies do not produce calcium, so we must eat foods high in calcium to meet our bodies’ needs. Ice cream is high in calcium and can be used to meet calcium needs. Phosphorus, in addition to improving oxygen delivery to tissues and maintaining pH balance, increases libido by regulating testosterone levels.
Ice cream contains a lot of sugar, which instantly makes you feel energized. So, the next time you feel tired, grab that ice cream and enjoy it. Keep in mind that ice cream can help you gain weight, so be careful how much you consume. Remember to keep it moderate!
Ice cream is a fermented food, which is good for our respiratory and gastrointestinal health. Recent research shows that ice cream is an excellent probiotic carrier due to its low storage temperature and a high source of lactobacillus. Improved respiratory and gut health will eventually improve immunity.
Eating ice cream can help you become smarter. One study found that people who ate ice cream first thing in the morning were more alert than those who didn’t. “Ice cream increases thrombotonin, a happy hormone that helps reduce stress in the body. Ice cream contains L-tryptophane, a natural tranquilizer that helps relax the nervous system. It also prevents insomnia symptoms.” A spoonful of your favorite ice cream can actually help you feel better! The same is true scientifically – eating ice cream causes the body to produce serotonin. Serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, makes you happy!
However, it is high in calories, sugar, and fat. Everything should be in moderation. We are totally aware of the obesity issue due to binge eating or the wrong choice of ice cream flavor regularly. Being obese is closely related to cardiovascular disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome as long-term consequences. Precisely, nutritional values and calories vary based on different ice cream flavors. You can refer to nutritional facts on each product and consult a dietician.
Artificial flavors and additives in ice cream are other issues that tend to be neglected.
Artificial food dyes like Red No. 3 (erythrosine) and Blue No (indigo carmine). There is some research linking these ingredients to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in kids although they are approved as additives from the FDA.
Like guar gum, it is used to thicken and texturize foods. It’s generally safe but has mild side effects like bloating, gas, and cramps.
Carrageenan, found in ice cream, may also cause intestinal inflammation in animals and test tubes.
How does a headache happen after eating ice cream?
The sharp throbbing pain in your forehead or temple, officially known as cold stimulus headaches, trigeminal headaches, and sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, can be caused by eating or drinking frosty items such as ice pops or slushy frozen drinks. They can also occur when you dive into cold water without wearing a helmet. It’s not serious, but it’s unpleasant. We already know that migraine sufferers are more prone to a brain freeze from very cold food or drink than non-migraine sufferers. It’s rare, but cold foods and drinks may occasionally trigger atrial fibrillation which is when your heartbeat becomes irregular or “fluttery.” The cold may affect your nervous system, causing this reaction.
The exact mechanism that causes this pain is unknown. An ice cream headache is caused by your palate (the roof of your mouth) becoming too cold. The cold’s effects on blood vessels running along the roof of the mouth are thought to be the cause.
The headache may be a case of referred pain. When the roof of your mouth becomes cold too quickly, the pain signal is sent to the trigeminal nerve, which then sends it to the brain to be processed and felt. Pain from your mouth appears to come from your forehead when your trigeminal nerve is overloaded. The cold may temporarily alter blood flow in the nervous system, causing a headache. The body adapts to the temperature change by constricting blood vessels to prevent heat loss and then relaxing them to allow blood flow.
Cold foods should be eaten slowly, allowing them to warm up in your mouth before eating them or swishing them around in your mouth before eating the rest to help your palate adapt. If you get these headaches, warm your tongue against the roof of your mouth or drink a warm beverage. Quick rewarming by a warm stimulus, like air, causes vasodilation (a widening of the blood vessels).
Any advice on eating ice cream
- Read ingredient labels before buying
- Try pre-portioned products like frozen dessert bars or mini containers. Otherwise, use small bowls instead of large ones to control portions.
- Learn about low-calorie ice cream
- Learn to make your own low-calorie, nutrient-dense ice cream
- Don’t consume frozen dessert more than twice a week
Treat yourselves regularly to various ice cream flavors, but not overconsuming, and don’t hesitate to Find doctor for any health issues.
It’s advisable to take Covid 19 Vaccine.
