3 Surprising Benefits To Eating Ice Cream You Didn't Know About
While July may be National Ice Cream Month in the United States, it's August that takes the cake as the month in which most American ice cream is produced. It makes sense: August is when the weather is at its hottest for most states. For any summer treat, try these fun color-changing spoons!
However, just because the amount of frozen treats you're eating is increasing doesn't mean your guilt has to increase too. In fact, ice cream isn't as terrible a contributor to weight gain and health issues as it's made out to be -- so long as it is eaten in moderation. Here are some reasons to feel happy, not guilty, about picking up those ice cream cups and spoons this August.
Ice cream is a great source of vitamins and minerals
Ice cream may not be multigrain bread, but it does contain vitamins and minerals. While being a good source of dairy, it can also contain vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, and K.
Vitamin K is fat-soluble, meaning that it helps your blood clot around injuries and heal faster. Ice cream is also a great source for the mineral phosphorus and calcium, which helps your body maintain bone stability.
Ice cream can help to reduce anxiety
There's a reason people tend to go to ice cream when they're sad, and it's not just because it's great comfort food. Because ice cream contains milk, it also contains L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan is a type of a-amino acid that helps to reduce the activity of the nervous system.
This means it's a natural tranquilizer that can help to reduce anxiety and increase sleepiness. In addition, ice cream also stimulates the production of thrombospondin, which not only reduces stress but also increases the hormones in your brain that translate to happiness.
Ice cream gives you energy
While ice cream can help to relax your nervous system, it can also provide you with a good source of energy. Like pasta and bread, ice cream is high in carbohydrates which, when used, can provide you with a good source of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ice cream is an energy-dense food with a concentration of 2 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat.
Ice cream has incredible benefits as comfort food and you shouldn't feel guilty for treating yourself every so often! After all, it's summer. However, be sure that when you do treat yourself to gelato, frozen yogurt cups, or another dessert, that you do so in moderation.
