During the summer, when the weather is hot, many of us opt for ice cream to cool down.
So, how should we consume ice cream during the summer months?
Ice cream contains refined sugar, which should not be consumed excessively. Nutrition experts recommend a daily intake of around 30 grams of sugar. If a child consumes several boxes of ice cream a day, along with other sugary foods like milk or soda, the daily sugar intake far exceeds 30 grams.
The temperature of ice cream is typically around 0°C, while the normal body temperature of humans is 37°C. Such a stark temperature difference can be a significant stimulus to the gastrointestinal tract, causing the contraction of blood vessels and reducing the secretion of digestive juices. Excessive consumption of ice cream throughout the day, with frequent exposure to cold stimuli, can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
The effects of overindulging in ice cream can vary among children depending on their body types. Overweight children, with better absorption capabilities, may suffer from exacerbated obesity due to the fats and sugars in ice cream. Conversely, thinner children, often with weaker constitutions or selective eating habits, may worsen their aversion to food if they consume too much ice cream.
Therefore, nutrition experts advise against consuming ice cream in the morning, before or after meals, before bedtime, or on an empty stomach. Additionally, individuals with weak constitutions, especially those with poor gastrointestinal function, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or milk allergies, should avoid ice cream altogether.
<b>Here are some tips for consumption:</b>
1. Sugar absorption is easier on an empty stomach, making it "dangerous" to consume high-calorie, high-sugar foods at this time. It's best to enjoy ice cream after a meal, when the satiety center is stimulated, preventing overconsumption.
2. When selecting ice cream, pay attention to the packaging and prioritize those with lower calorie counts. Additionally, consider the order of consumption, starting with shaved ice, ice pops, and then solid ice cream, as their calorie, sugar, and fat contents increase sequentially.
3. Ice cream should be consumed in moderation, ideally limiting intake to one serving per day and keeping daily calorie intake from ice cream below 200 kcal. If concerned about excessive intake, consider consuming only half a serving.
In conclusion, while enjoying the deliciousness of ice cream, let's remember the advice of nutrition experts to avoid potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. Particularly for children and those with weak gastrointestinal systems, it's crucial to control the intake and timing of ice cream consumption. Choose ice cream wisely, consume it after meals, and maintain a balanced approach to preserve health and vitality during the hot summer days.
