Ice cream is a mood booster, but can a cold treat really affect our emotions? Let’s talk to an expert.
What we will tell you
How does ice cream affect brain function?
Gastroenterologist of the Federal Network of Expert Oncology Clinics “Evroonko”
“Ice cream contains sugar, which quickly increases blood glucose levels, giving the brain energy to work more efficiently. In addition, this treat causes pleasure and improves mood, which also has a positive effect on cognitive functions.”
Consuming sweets within reasonable limits can have a positive effect on brain function due to the production of dopamine, the pleasure hormone.
Scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London have discovered that a spoonful of ice cream activates the same pleasure centre in the brain as winning money or listening to your favourite music. In other words, a cold dessert actually makes a person happier.
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At the same time, large amounts of ice cream cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels. This, in turn, can lead to unwanted symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, nervousness, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
The health benefits and harms of ice cream.
Like any product, ice cream has its advantages and disadvantages.
Read also:
The endocrinologist told how much ice cream you can eat per day and how to choose it correctly.
A quality dessert can be a good source of essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. The treat also contains vitamins like A, D and B12, which support a variety of bodily functions, from vision and immune health to energy metabolism.
Benefits of natural ice cream:
Proteins are a building block – they help maintain muscle health, repair and build tissue; Polyunsaturated fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system thanks to the sugar content; Ice cream can provide a quick burst of energy – this is useful after intense physical activity or when a quick source of energy is needed; Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium and iron play a role in supporting immunity; Some treats, especially those enriched with probiotics, help maintain gut health and improve digestion; they are often found in yoghurt-based ice cream; Eating the dessert triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which can improve mood and provide feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Photo: istockphoto.com/Moussa81
Despite all these beneficial properties, we must not forget about the possible side effects of ice cream.
So, the cold dessert contains a lot of calories, sugar, and fat, which can contribute to weight gain. Because of its high sugar content, frequent consumption of this treat causes blood sugar levels to rise, which over time can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The sugar in ice cream is also bad for your teeth.
For people with lactose intolerance, the dessert can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.
High levels of saturated fats cause elevated levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood. This, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease.
In addition, regular consumption of ice cream may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How often can you eat ice cream?
It is recommended to consume ice cream in moderation: 100-150 g per day, no more than twice a week. In addition, it is better to give preference to natural ice cream without additional additives.
In ice cream the approximate caloric content is 200 kcal per 100 g, while in ice cream with condensed milk it is already 350 kcal per 100 g.
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