What are the negative effects of consuming excessive ice cream in the heat?
During hot weather, extreme caution should be exercised when consuming very cold, high-calorie ice cream, as it strains the body. It can cause microscopic cracks in tooth enamel, spasms in the stomach’s blood vessels, and even increase the risk of tonsillitis. Therefore, it should be eaten slowly, after it has partially melted, and in moderation.
According to doctors, when temperatures are high, consuming cold ice cream creates a sharp contrast with the hot air, posing a real challenge to the teeth. This sudden change in temperature can cause microscopic cracks in the teeth, while the large amount of sugar in ice cream contributes to tooth decay.
Frozen sweets can also cause a sharp constriction of the blood vessels in the pharynx, weakening immunity and creating conditions conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby increasing the risk of tonsillitis. Additionally, taste receptors in the hard palate may become irritated, potentially causing pain in the temples, a condition known as “brain freeze.”
Furthermore, the cooling effect of ice cream in hot weather is short-lived, and afterward, the body must exert greater effort in the digestive process. Consuming ice cream provides localized cooling in the mouth and the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. However, high-calorie varieties require a substantial amount of the body’s energy for digestion. The digestion process, stimulated to absorb fats and carbohydrates, leads to an increase in temperature in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract rather than cooling it. Consequently, frozen and fatty foods place additional stress on the stomach.
In addition, ice cream can cause spasms in the stomach’s blood vessels, which is particularly dangerous in cases of gastritis, while the large amount of sugar can cause bloating and a feeling of heaviness. Doctors recommend choosing ice cream carefully, checking its ingredients to ensure low sugar and fat content, consuming it in moderation, and, if possible, preparing frozen treats at home.
Source: vz.ru
