Surprising Health Benefits Of Ice Cream You Need To Know
When one hears the phrase “ice cream,” images of sweltering summer days, beach trips, and cheerful moments might flood the mind. Typically, this creamy, cold treat is associated with indulgence and pleasure rather than health. But what if we told you that enjoying this frozen delight could also offer some surprising health benefits? Let’s scoop out the facts!
1. Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals
You might be inclined to think of fruits and vegetables as the primary sources of vitamins and minerals, but ice cream, especially those prepared with real milk, contains a trove of nutrients. These include essential vitamins like Vitamin A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E. It’s also rich in minerals such as calcium (great for bones) and phosphorus.
For those who want to make their own soft-serve ice cream, it’s always a good idea to check reviews to find out more about each machine’s specifications and whether they can work for your specific needs.
2. A Source of Healthy Fats
High-quality ice creams, particularly those made from full-fat dairy or nuts, are loaded with healthy fats. These fats can be beneficial for cellular function and hormone production. While it’s essential to moderate intake, as with any rich food, in reasonable amounts, the fats in ice cream can serve as a valuable energy source.
3. Boosts Mood Instantly
The simple act of indulging in ice cream typically evokes feelings of happiness, and it’s not just psychological; there’s scientific support for it. Ice cream contains an amino acid known as tryptophan, which serves as a precursor to serotonin – the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. An increased level of serotonin can result in a significantly uplifted mood that goes beyond mere momentary pleasure.
4. Energizing Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, often unfairly maligned in the world of nutrition, are an essential part of our dietary needs. They are our body’s first pick when it comes to sourcing energy, especially during physical activity. Ice cream, with its sugars, provides a form of easily digestible carbohydrates.
This means that after an intense workout session, where the glycogen reserves of the muscles are depleted, a controlled serving of ice cream can act as a quick source of energy. The same applies to mentally taxing days, where a sugar boost can rejuvenate your cognitive faculties. However, it’s essential to strike a balance. While a little ice cream post-exercise can be beneficial, overindulgence can lead to unnecessary calorie intake.
5. Probiotics in Some Varieties
The term ‘probiotics’ often brings to mind images of yogurt or fermented foods. However, the world of frozen desserts is catching up. Some frozen yogurts and specially crafted artisanal ice creams are now incorporating these health-boosting live cultures.
When you consume these probiotics, they contribute to a balanced gut microbiota, essential for digestive health and even impacting overall immunity. The presence of these beneficial bacteria aids in digestion, reduces inflammation, and can help maintain a balanced environment in the gut. Thus, while savoring certain ice creams, you might also be nurturing your gut health!
6. Enhances Brain Function
Brain health is intrinsically linked to what we consume. Ice cream’s amino acid, tryptophan, plays a more significant role than just uplifting mood. Once consumed, tryptophan gets converted into serotonin and eventually to niacin. This B-vitamin, niacin, plays a pivotal role in brain health. It helps in the management of brain signals, ensuring effective communication between brain cells.
Moreover, niacin is essential in detoxifying brain cells and DNA repair, which means it can potentially shield our brain from age-related degeneration and damage. So, a scoop might be serving your neurons quite well!
7. Beneficial for the Throat
A spoonful of cold, smooth ice cream can be a balm for a sore and irritated throat. Imagine the feeling of soft, chilled creaminess easing its way down an inflamed throat, offering relief from the scratchiness and pain.
The cold temperature combined with the cream’s consistency can alleviate discomfort temporarily. This is precisely why, instinctively or from past experiences, many reach out for a cold dessert when their throats feel sore or after a bout of coughing. However, it’s essential to note that while ice cream provides momentary relief, it’s not a cure for throat ailments.
8. Can Aid in Weight Gain (When Needed)
In the era of weight loss diets and regimes, the struggles of those trying to gain weight healthily often go unnoticed. Ice cream, given its calorie-rich composition, can be an excellent choice for them. When aiming for weight gain, the focus should be on nutrient and calorie-dense foods.
Ice cream, when combined with nutritious toppings like fruits, nuts, or granola, becomes a powerhouse of calories. This combined intake can provide the necessary energy and nutrients required to gain weight in a delicious, enjoyable manner. Remember, as with all diets, balance and variety are key!
Points to Consider
While these benefits might tempt you to delve into a tub of ice cream daily, remember that moderation is key. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- Sugar Content: Many commercial ice creams can be high in added sugars, which can be detrimental if consumed excessively. Opt for those with natural sweeteners or reduced sugar.
- Artificial Ingredients: Beware of ice creams loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Always check the label and opt for natural or organic varieties when possible.
- Calories: Even though ice cream offers numerous health benefits, it’s still a calorie-rich food. Enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack is wise.
- Dairy Concerns: For those lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, there are many dairy-free ice creams available made from almond milk, coconut milk, or soy. They offer similar benefits minus the dairy.
In conclusion, while ice cream shouldn’t replace fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods in your diet, it’s heartening to know that our favorite frozen treat has more to offer than just great taste.
The next time you savor a scoop of your favorite flavor, relish not just its lusciousness but also the bouquet of benefits it brings. So, cheers to a well-balanced life sprinkled with a little indulgence!
