5 Surprising Benefits of Eating Ice Cream
Ice cream is a very popular dessert that many Americans enjoy either in a cone or in a dish with plastic spoons. 9% of the milk produced by American dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream. Ice cream is more than just a delicious dessert! Here are some surprising health benefits that you may experience from simply eating ice cream.
It can help fight infertility
According to a Harvard study published in the journal Human Reproduction, consuming full-fat milk or ice cream may improve your chances of having a baby. In the study, women who ate full-fat ice cream two or more times a week had at 38% lower risk of ovulation-related infertility than women who had full-fat ice cream less than once a week.
It can reduce your cancer risk
Ice cream is high in calcium. This calcium content can help reduce your chances of colon cancer. Calcium protects high-risk people from developing polyps that can lead to colorectal or colon cancer. These benefits last a while after the calcium supplementation ends, so you don't have to constantly eat ice cream to see these benefits.
It can help you lose weight
Huh? Most people think that ice cream makes you gain weight. It certainly can if not eaten in moderation. However, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who ate at least one serving of full-fat ice cream daily gained less weight than those who didn't. How is this possible? The body has to work hard to warm its temperature back up after you consume cold ice cream, and that process burns calories and fat.
It gives you a burst of energy
Because ice cream is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, it helps your body produce energy. the proteins present in ice cream also help your body build and repair muscle tissue so it can heal faster after an injury.
It messes with your brain chemicals in a good way
Ice cream stimulates Thrornbotonin, a brain chemical also known as Serotonin. This chemical is responsible for aiding in sleep, learning, and overall mood. Dopamine is also released when you eat ice cream, which is the brain's natural mood booster responsible for elation and pleasure.
The next time you see this delicious frozen dessert, remember these health benefits, grab your color changing spoons, and dig in. Just remember, moderation is key. You can eat one bowl once a week and still experience these benefits.