Who doesn’t love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Apart from being a delicious dessert, ice cream has numerous health benefits that you might not be aware of.
Studies have shown that ice cream can be a source of nutrients that are good for your body. Here are 25 amazing health benefits of ice cream:.
1. Source of Calcium
Ice cream is a rich source of calcium, which plays a vital role in strengthening bones and teeth. Calcium is important for maintaining the health of your muscles, nerves, and heart.
A single scoop of ice cream can provide your body with up to 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.
2. Boosts Energy Levels
Ice cream is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production. A serving of ice cream can help boost your energy levels and keep you active throughout the day.
3. Provides Essential Vitamins
Ice cream contains vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E, which are essential for maintaining good health.
Vitamin A is important for eye health, vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells, while vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants that help fight against free radicals in your body.
4. Relieves Stress
Ice cream can help relieve stress and anxiety due to its calming effect on our body. Eating ice cream triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make us feel good.
5. Lowers Risk of Stroke
The consumption of ice cream has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke. Studies have shown that eating a serving of ice cream at least one time per week can lower the chances of developing strokes in women by up to 20%.
This could be due to the presence of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium in ice cream.
6. Helps with Recovery from Injury
Ice cream is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for repairing muscle tissue and aiding in recovery from injury. Consuming ice cream after a workout or injury can help speed up recovery time.
7. Provides Essential Fatty Acids
Ice cream contains essential fatty acids that are important for maintaining good health. These fatty acids are important for brain development and function, improving heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body.
8. Aids in Digestion
Ice cream contains lactose, a type of sugar that is found in milk. Lactose has been shown to help stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which aids in digestion and promotes overall gut health.
9. Helps with Weight Gain
For those who are underweight or struggling with weight gain, ice cream can be a useful addition to their diet. Ice cream is high in calories and can help individuals meet their daily calorie requirements.
10. Boosts Immune System
Ice cream contains nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. These vitamins help your body fight against diseases and infections, and eating ice cream can help keep your immune system strong.
11. Promotes Better Sleep
Ice cream contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps promote better sleep. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep patterns and promote relaxation.
12. Provides an Antioxidant Boost
Ice cream contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which are important for fighting against free radicals in your body. These antioxidants are linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
13. Helps with Depression
Ice cream can help combat depression due to its mood-boosting effect. Eating ice cream can help trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy.
14. Provides Hydration
Ice cream is made up of mostly water, which can help keep you hydrated during hot weather. Consuming ice cream can help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
15. Boosts Brain Function
Ice cream contains a type of fat called choline, which is important for maintaining healthy brain function. Choline is essential for memory formation and learning, and consuming ice cream can help boost your brain function.
16. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Studies have shown that consuming ice cream in moderation can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The calcium in ice cream helps maintain healthy blood pressure, while the essential fatty acids can help improve cholesterol levels.
17. Helps Reduce Inflammation
Ice cream contains ingredients such as milk and cream, which are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of chronic diseases.
18. Provides Essential Minerals
Ice cream contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining good health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function.
Phosphorus is important for strong bones and teeth.
19. Boosts Metabolism
Ice cream contains a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily absorbed by the body and can help boost metabolism. Consuming ice cream in moderation can help improve your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
20. Provides Protein
Ice cream is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining healthy muscles and tissues. Consuming ice cream in moderation can help individuals meet their daily protein requirements.
21. Enhances Mood
Eating ice cream can help enhance mood due to its pleasurable taste and creamy texture. Ice cream also triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and satisfied.
22. Helps Reduce Cravings
Consuming ice cream can help reduce cravings for other unhealthy snacks. Ice cream is sweet and satisfying, making it a good alternative to sugary snacks that can cause cravings and weight gain.
23. Provides a Source of Iron
Ice cream contains iron, an essential mineral that is important for maintaining healthy blood cells. Iron is important for transporting oxygen to your cells and tissues, and consuming ice cream can help improve your iron levels.
24. Helps with Recovery After Surgery
Ice cream can help with recovery after surgery by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to heal. Ice cream is easy to eat and digest, making it a good source of nutrition for those who have difficulty eating solid foods after surgery.
25. Helps Reduce Risk of Osteoporosis
The calcium in ice cream is important for maintaining healthy bones and can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Consuming ice cream in moderation can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.