Whether you’re relishing your favourite bar of chocolate or tub of ice-cream, drinking your first cup of tea or coffee, ingesting anything that is considered or branded ‘unhealthy’ tempts us the most! It is human nature - the more we are told to refrain from consuming something, the more we are attracted towards it! We have been told as much by elders, read umpteen magazine articles and skimmed through studies popping up on our web search, that consuming these food items is not good for health. However, you will be surprised to find that they may have a positive effect on our body after all, when consumed in moderation.
Your (Precious) Beverage: Coffee/Tea
Coffee may be beneficial to your health in addition to helping you get out of bed. A recent study in the journal Nutrients suggests that black coffee may have benefits beyond boosting your energy levels. Researchers discovered some intriguing connections between black coffee consumption and improved insulin sensitivity, particularly in women. According to the study's findings, drinking black coffee significantly improves glucose metabolism markers. Interestingly, compared to women who drank coffee without chemicals or who drank coffee with additives, those who drank black coffee showed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin resistance.
The main indicator of insulin sensitivity is how well your body reacts to insulin, the hormone that facilitates the transfer of blood sugar into your cells for energy. Your body performs this function efficiently when your insulin sensitivity is high, controlling blood sugar levels and lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, blood sugar levels might rise when your body becomes less responsive, increasing your risk of a number of illnesses, particularly metabolic disorders.
This is where the coffee you drink every day comes into play. Black coffee in particular is rich in natural substances known as polyphenols, including a major one - chlorogenic acid.. These substances function as protectors, promoting improved blood sugar regulation and reducing inflammation. They may increase your body's sensitivity to insulin, which is beneficial for your metabolic health in general.
According to a review of earlier research, drinking tea or coffee is linked to a decreased incidence of head and neck malignancies, including cancers of the mouth and throat. According to research published in the journal Cancer, drinking three to four cups of coffee a day was related with a 17 per cent lower risk of head and neck cancer, while drinking one cup of tea was linked to a 9 per cent lower risk.
Chocolate: The Darkest of All
Chocolate has been used to improve heart health for hundreds of years. The native Aztecs drank cocoa in the 1500s as a beverage that was thought to cure a number of illnesses, including angina, a form of chest pain brought on by decreased cardiac blood flow. According to scientific research, dark chocolate is a superfood favourite with many health benefits because it is high in antioxidants and nutrients. According to studies, dark chocolate includes phytonutrients called flavonoids, which are plant molecules that function as antioxidants and may help prevent cancer and promote heart health.
Ever Thought Ice-Cream Would Make It To This List?
Ice cream provides vital elements that your body requires, contrary to what people think. It is high in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Ice cream also contains vitamins A, D, and B12, which support improved immune system performance and general wellness. There’s a reason why so many individuals reach for ice cream when they're feeling down or stressed. The ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are released when ice cream, especially the creamy-textured variety, is consumed. Sometimes indulging in this delicious treat might help you feel better and provide a brief reprieve from the stresses of everyday life.
Probiotics found in ice cream's dairy component help to maintain gut health. Probiotics are good bacteria that support healthy gut microbiota and help with digestion. Eating ice cream in moderation can help maintain digestive health.
It's evident that ice cream delivers more than just a delicious experience, even though moderation is vital when enjoying it. With its abundance of vital nutrients, mood-enhancing qualities, and other health advantages, ice cream can be a delicious complement to a healthy and pleasurable way of life. The next time you have a scoop of your favourite flavour, keep in mind that you may be taking care of your health as well as your taste buds!
Image source: Cleveland clinic, RVO health