Eating ice cream in winter is good for your health: science says so

October is coming and many ice cream parlor They close their doors until spring. Some last a little longer, but few make it past December. It’s true that ice cream is usually associated with summer. But is it so strange eat ice cream in winter?

If we go back in history, we will see that ice cream was actually born in winter. This was back in that year 2000 BCin ancient China. Primitive ice cream makers are prepared ball of rice, milk and spices and put it in the snow to keep it cool. Later, Emperor Nero ordered that the snow that had fallen from the mountains be taken and mixed with fruit juices. Therefore, in the past, eating ice cream in winter was not something unusual. This was the only time they could do it.

Over time, the fact that ice cream is cold became associated with the fact that it is hot in the summer. It seemed logical to use them in combination. However, the reality is that even when cold, most ice creams they don’t reduce heat. They do exactly the opposite.

Yes, ice cream can be a good way to stay warm in winter.

By definition, at least in Spain, ice cream should be 5% fat be considered as such. If not, then it can be a cold dessert or sorbet, but not ice cream. In addition, ice cream with cream, which we often find in ice cream parlors They have more fatabove 8%. Plus they usually have a lot of sugar.

All of this makes eating ice cream in winter a good idea. And this creates a phenomenon known as diet-induced thermogenesis. This means that fats and carbohydrates are broken down during digestion. a lot of heat is generated. It makes us feel warmer.

When we eat ice cream, we feel cold due to temperature receptors located in the mouth and digestive system. However, they give way to a strong sensation of warmth. True, in the summer it is not easy for us to recognize it. We just think it’s the usual heat this season. On the other hand, in winter it can make a difference, albeit minor.

It also makes you happier

Low temperatures and, above all, the increasing number of hours of darkness during the day make many people feel more depressed in autumn and winter. So eating foods that make you feel good is always a good idea.

In 2005, a group of English scientists conducted a study that showed that eating a spoonful of ice cream can cause sensations similar to making money or listening to music. They confirmed it MRI brain of a group of participants as they perform different tasks.

Later, in 2013, another group of scientists, including some of these researchers, conducted a new study showing that feelings of well-being can even be improved with some simple tasks, such as: show gratitude. We should not fall into that psychology that practically forces us to be happy. Sometimes there is nothing to be grateful for. You can look for moments in the day when something good, something mundane, happened. But if you can’t, there’s no need to force it. No need constantly seek happiness.

But if we want to feel good, eating ice cream in winter can be a great idea. And it will be just as delicious as in the summer.

Only one drawback

Our respiratory system has a number of protective barriers that protect us from pathogens entering both the nose and throat. This is, on the one hand, a thick mucus that catches them, and on the other hand, a type of broom called cilia, which push these pathogens, individually or in mucus, out.

These cilia retain excellent shape in the presence of heat and humidity. Therefore, cold and dry weather can cause them to suffer and stop working. This is one of the reasons why we catch colds more often in winter (not the only one). But It is not the cold that makes us cold. These are viruses that penetrate the throat or nose using flabby cilia. If there is no pathogen, we will not get sick, no matter how cold we are.

When you eat ice cream you can our throats are getting coldbut usually it’s a moment. This is not the same as being in cold, dry air for a long time. Therefore, this will be a slight disadvantage in terms of infection with winter viruses. But very little, since it won’t be cold enough to lower those barriers too much. Moreover, if we later drink something hot or cover ourselves, it is completely reversible.

In short, eating ice cream in winter is not a bad thing. Even the only drawback is small and easily solved. Now all that’s left is to find an ice cream shop that’s still open at this time of year.