Why is ice cream bad for you

Light ice cream also lacks the levels of protein and fiber found in regular brands—two things that help us feel full. Plus, our blood sugar levels spike due to the excess sugar, leading to more cravings.

Frozen yogurt may not be much healthier. All of the above factors provide compelling reasons to swear off ice cream. After all, a smart diet is key to staying fit and healthy. But if the thought of forever banishing this cold treat from your menu seems harsh, we have a loophole or two that may enable you to indulge without much guilt.

First, consider that eating ice cream can make you happy no shocker here. Eating ice cream can also improve our calcium absorption. In a small study, Dutch researchers offered 16 volunteers two types of calcium-fortified ice cream and milk with breakfast sign me up for the next study, please!

Their findings: Calcium was as easily absorbed from the ice cream as it was from the milk. She also recommends choosing an organic brand to avoid genetically modified ingredients. So can we ever eat ice cream guilt-free? Enjoy with friends. As with everything, though, moderation and portion control are key. While some may be able to absorb that half-cup into an overall balanced diet, those of us who struggle to put down the spoon may need to limit this dessert to once or twice a week.

That said, if eating ice cream causes you to binge or leads you to suffer from guilt or depression, it may be healthier to opt for a different treat. As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content. So treat yourself to ice cream — the good stuff! Ice cream helps to produce serotonin, the feel-good hormone in our bodies.

Because it does this so well, some medical professionals recommend that those who struggle with seasonal affective disorder keep some ice cream on hand during the winter seasons as a bit of a pick-me-up. In the meantime, this is just one more reason to add some ice cream to your diet. Are you looking for a way to get your partner in the mood for intimacy this week? Bring home a pint of their favorite ice cream! Ice cream is high in phosphorus, which gives our tissues oxygen, maintains our pH balance, and yes, boosts our libido, too.

Now that you know all of the wonderful ways that ice cream can actually benefit you physically, what are you waiting for? Have some. Our recommendation? Try making your own. You can choose your own ingredients, which means you can make it as healthy as you want. It's actually really simple. Need an example? Ice cream contains some important nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A, among others. But while these nutrients are all needed for good health, the amount in ice cream is small and is accompanied by a hefty dose of fat and added sugar.

But devouring a triple-scoop cone with extra toppings far exceeds the daily recommendation for added sugar 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men and can send you on a blood sugar roller coaster ride. To avoid a crash, enjoy a small cup or cone and skip the sugary toppings. To dress up ice cream in a healthier way, choose nutrient-rich garnishes like fresh berries, chopped nuts, chia seeds, banana, pineapple or crunchy whole-grain cereal.

Some may even add a small amount of plant-based protein. Experts suggest eating any foods that contain added sugar and saturated fat, like ice cream, in a moderate and mindful way. In excess, these foods might displace nutritious choices in your diet and increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes over time. Feeling blue? Ice cream may cause a temporary mood boost that starts with the first lick.

Eating ice cream is also a beloved summer pastime that sparks feelings of nostalgia that can put a smile on your face. Go ahead and savor that ice cream cone, cup or sundae this summer. Just do so as an occasional treat, rather than a daily indulgence.

Craving the cool sweetness of ice cream more than occasionally?