How ice cream affects brain function: the doctor told about the benefits and harms of the dessert

Ice cream lifts our mood, but can the cold treat really affect our emotions? Let’s find out with an expert.

What we’ll tell you

How does ice cream affect brain function?

Gastroenterologist at the Federal Network of Expert Oncology Clinics “Euroonco”.

“Ice cream contains sugar that rapidly increases blood glucose levels, which gives the brain energy to work more efficiently. The treat also induces pleasure and improves mood, which also has a positive effect on cognitive function.”

Consuming the treat in reasonable amounts can have a positive effect on brain function through the production of dopamine, the pleasure hormone.

Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry in London found that a spoonful of ice cream activates the same pleasure center in the brain as winning money or listening to your favorite music. That is, a cold dessert actually makes a person happier.

At the same time, large amounts of ice cream cause blood glucose levels to spike. This, in turn, can cause undesirable symptoms, including feelings of fatigue, irritability, headaches, nervousness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating.

Health benefits and harms of ice cream

Like any product, ice cream has its advantages and disadvantages.

A quality dessert can be a good source of essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones and teeth. The treat also contains vitamins such as A, D and B12, which support a variety of body functions, from vision and immune health to energy metabolism.

Benefits of natural ice cream:

• proteins are a building block – helping to maintain muscle health, repair and build tissue;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids are beneficial to the cardiovascular system;
• thanks to its 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 immunity, bone health;
• certain treats, especially those enriched with probiotics, help support gut health and improve digestion. These are often found in yogurt-based ice cream;
• eating dessert triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which can improve your mood and give you a sense of pleasure and relaxation.

Despite all these beneficial properties, you should not forget about the possible side effects of ice cream.

For example, the cold dessert contains a lot of calories, sugar and fat, which can contribute to weight gain. Due to its high sugar content, frequent consumption of the treat leads to an increase in blood sugar levels, which over time can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The sugar in ice cream is also bad for your teeth as well.

In people with lactose intolerance, the dessert can cause digestive discomfort, including abdominal bloating, gas and diarrhea.

The high saturated fat content leads to higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood. This, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease.

Moreover, regular consumption of ice cream can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

How often can I eat ice cream?

It is recommended to eat ice cream in moderate amounts: 100-150 g per day, no more than twice a week. Moreover, it is better to give preference to natural ice cream without additional additives.

The approximate calorie content of ice cream is 200 kcal per 100 g, while in ice cream with condensed milk – 350 kcal per 100 g.