10 Surprising Benefits of Ice Cream

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Everyone loves ice cream, especially on hot summer days when the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or fire up the grill. However, it’s not just a tasty treat – it can also give you some health benefits. Here are 10 surprising benefits of ice cream that you might not have known about before. 

1. Keeps your immune system strong

The nutrients and vitamins found in ice cream can strengthen your immune system so that you’re less likely to catch a cold. They also help provide energy, which is necessary for fighting illness. After you’ve recovered from an illness, having a bit of ice cream may be just what you need to boost your body’s immunity even more. Make sure it's real ice cream though!

2. Fights depression

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A natural remedy to combat depression? Yep, that’s ice cream. Experts say there are a few reasons why sugar can be helpful in getting over blues; for one, it releases serotonin and endorphins into your system, triggering happy feelings. On top of that, eating something sweet tricks your brain into thinking you’re satiated—eating an actual meal takes longer to digest and thus gives you more time to think about what’s bothering you.

3. Helps with weight loss

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Studies show that ice cream makes you feel fuller for longer, meaning you’re likely to eat less throughout your day. It also has a low-glycemic index (GI), which means it releases energy slowly. This is good for keeping blood sugar levels steady and preventing excessive insulin release. And, since ice cream helps with weight loss, it can lead to a more active lifestyle which helps burn even more calories!

4.  Makes you happy

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Happiness is a positive mental state that expresses itself in joy, contentment, or delight. That may sound like a pretty lofty goal for something as basic as eating ice cream, but it’s true! Studies have shown that certain foods can trigger chemical reactions in our brains and improve our moods. And when we feel good, we tend to perform better at work and interact more positively with those around us.

5. Eases Anxiety

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Studies suggest that low levels of tryptophan in our brain are responsible for feelings of depression, sadness, and anxiety. Luckily for us, one food—ice cream—has high levels of tryptophan. It’s likely that eating ice cream increases tryptophan levels in our brain and decreases feelings of depression and anxiety. This is good news not only for you but also for your nearest and dearest, who’ll thank you for sharing some after dinner!

6. Improves sleep quality

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Studies have shown that consuming a few spoonfuls of ice cream before bed can greatly improve sleep quality. The sugar content in ice cream causes a spike in insulin, which then helps relax your body and put you to sleep. Many people also find that after eating their favourite flavour, they’re less stressed and more relaxed. No wonder so many kids are allowed to eat dessert before bed!

7. Boosts energy levels

If you eat ice cream after a tough workout, it can help boost your energy levels and reduce muscle pain. The dessert’s high-calorie content is also perfect for replenishing your body with much-needed calories.

8. Lowers blood pressure

A study conducted by researchers at University College London and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a pint of ice cream every other day for four weeks lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of six points and diastolic blood pressure by three points. This effect was observed in both overweight and healthy-weight participants. Researchers said their findings prove that indulging your sweet tooth is a smart dietary move if you’re looking to keep your heart healthy.

9. Reduce the risk of breast cancer   

A Harvard University study showed that women who consumed high amounts of dairy products were 22 percent less likely to get breast cancer. Women with a high intake of calcium had an even lower risk. Research indicates that calcium may help regulate cell growth, which could help prevent abnormal cell changes and tumors from developing in your body.

10. Controls Diabetes

Yes, ice cream can help control diabetes in a number of ways. First, it helps patients with Type 2 Diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. That's because ice cream is composed of dairy, which produces little insulin spike in people who are prediabetic or have Type 2 Diabetes. Second, the satiety(fullness) effect that comes from eating ice cream can help people with Type 2 Diabetes control their food intake during mealtime.