The Good, the Bad, and the Creamy: An In-Depth Look At Health Aspects Of Ice Cream Consumption As Spring Starts
Health News - Ice Cream- Spring Mar 21, 2023 1 year, 8 months, 1 day, 10 hours, 5 minutes ago
Health News: Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day promotions to celebrate 'start' of spring prompted me to write this article as with the start of spring, ice cream consumption will once again start rising all over the United States and other countries in the Northern hemisphere.
Ice cream is a beloved treat worldwide, with a range of flavors and toppings that cater to everyone's tastes. But the question remains: is ice cream bad for you? In this
Health News article, I will explore the good and bad benefits of eating ice cream, with links to studies and expert opinions. I will also provide some tips on how to enjoy this frozen delight in moderation.
I. Why is Ice Cream Bad for You?
A. Calories
One of the main concerns with ice cream is its high calorie content. A single serving can contain hundreds of calories, and consuming an entire pint could amount to over half of your recommended daily calorie intake [1]. It's important to keep track of your calorie consumption to maintain a healthy weight.
B. Fat
Ice cream is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat. Saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol levels, which can contribute to heart disease [2]. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to 5-6% of total daily calories [3].
C. Sugar
High sugar consumption can lead to numerous health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis [4]. The American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of 24 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men [5]. Most ice cream servings contain nearly the entire recommended daily sugar limit.
D. Carbohydrates
Ice cream is high in carbohydrates, which can be stored as fat if not burned off immediately. Consuming too many carbohydrates can also cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes [6].
E. Trehalose
Trehalose, an artificial sugar used in some ice creams, has been linked to a rise in potentially fatal infections from Clostridium difficile (C diff), a common bacterium found in the gut [7]. Some store-bought ice creams contain trehalose concentrations of up to 11% [8].
F. Listeria
Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious illness, has been found in ice cream products at a rising rate [9]. This is particularly concerning for those with weakened immune systems.
II. Benefits of Eating Ice Cream
A. Mood Boost
Eating
ice cream can increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter known as the "feel-good hormone" [10]. The carbohydrates in ice cream may contribute to this mood-boosting effect.
B. Nutritional Value
D
espite its drawbacks, ice cream does offer some nutritional benefits. It contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain healthy blood pressure levels [11]. Ice cream also provides protein, which can contribute to feelings of fullness and increased energy levels [12].
C. Probiotic Potential
Some studies suggest that ice cream can be used as a probiotic carrier, providing beneficial bacteria to the gut [13].
D. Calcium Absorption
A small study found that calcium-fortified ice cream may help increase a person's absorption of calcium, making it a viable vehicle for delivering this essential nutrient [14]. This finding suggests that ice cream, when consumed in moderation, can contribute to maintaining strong teeth and bones.
III. Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Moderation
A. Go for Smaller Sizes
Opt for a single scoop or a smaller serving of ice cream to limit calorie and sugar intake. Research shows that after the first few bites, the enjoyment of eating ice cream may diminish, so savoring a smaller portion can still provide satisfaction [15].
B. Skip the Toppings
Toppings like candy, sugary sauces, and cookie bits add extra calories to your ice cream treat. By skipping these additions, you can reduce the overall calorie count of your dessert.
C. Don't Binge
Avoid depriving yourself of ice cream entirely, as this can lead to binge eating when you eventually give in to your cravings. Instead, enjoy small servings occasionally, without guilt.
D. Skip the Cone
Choosing a cup over a cone can save around 160 calories [16]. While cones can be an enjoyable part of the ice cream experience, opting for a cup can help keep your calorie intake in check.
E. Get Active Afterward
After indulging in ice cream, engage in light physical activity to kick-start your metabolism and burn some of the calories you've consumed. This can include a gentle walk, beach volleyball, or a short swim.
Conclusion
Ice cream, like many treats, comes with both good and bad benefits. While it's true that ice cream is high in calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, it also provides mood-boosting effects, nutritional value, probiotic potential, and improved calcium absorption. The key to enjoying ice cream is moderation and portion control. By following the tips provided in this article, you can indulge in your favorite frozen treat without compromising your overall health.
In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of ice cream consumption, here are the sources cited throughout the article, including links to relevant studies:
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/450193/nutrients
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/the-skinny-on-fats
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133084/
- https://rootnutritionrd.com/sugar-in-ice-cream/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8537173/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29310122/
- https://nutribites.blog/2019/04/01/a-food-additive-in-ice-cream-may-be-giving-you-diarrhea/
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18043762/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/450193/nutrients
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18469287/
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/bZYbqgtjgWVMBZrjYTHwpbF/?lang=en
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19394469/
- https://www.academia.edu/4386626/The_effects_of_sham_feeding_induced_sensory_specific_satiation_and_food_variety_on_subsequent_food_intake_in_humans
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175000/nutrients
Ice cream, as with many other treats, comes with both positive and negative aspects. High in calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, it can pose health risks when consumed excessively. However, ice cream also provides mood-boosting effects, nutritional value, probiotic potential, and improved calcium absorption. By practicing moderation and portion control, you can enjoy ice cream without compromising your overall health. The provided studies and sources offer a deeper understanding of the various aspects of ice cream consumption and its impact on health.
For the latest on
Ice Cream In Spring And Health Issues, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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