Keep calm and eat ice cream…

Keep calm and eat ice cream…

Is there anything more appealing on a hot summers day than a cool and delicious ice cream? It would appear not, as the average Brit consumes around 7 litres of the stuff every year.

Across the pond, the average American can put away up to 26 litres of ice cream per year, which sounds a lot, but actually only equates to one 500ml tub a week. Surprisingly, New Zealanders eat more ice cream per year than any other nation – averaging almost 30 litres per person. So why is ice cream so addictive?

Ice Cream makes you happy

Back in 2005, researchers at The Institute of Psychiatry in London scanned the brains of people eating vanilla ice cream to see if there was any notable reaction. They found that there was an immediate effect on the parts of the brain known to be activated when people enjoy themselves – the same response created by listening to your favourite music or winning money. So ice cream really does make you happy!

Good cop, bad cop

So, ice cream makes you happy. But with the Government shouting about sugar reduction, is ice cream still a viable option for a sunny day snack? The answer of course is yes. Everything in moderation. Ice cream should be regarded as an indulgent treat, a gratifying reward. Not a diet staple but something to be consumed for pleasure.

However, you should also bear in mind that proper dairy ice cream contains important nutrients like phosphorus and calcium to help strengthen bones as well as potassium which is great for lowering blood pressure. It’s not all bad.

Variety is the spice of life

With over 1000 ice cream companies in the UK alone, you can be guaranteed to find a flavour to suit even the most discerning palate. That said, the most popular flavour in the world is still good old vanilla. Maybe Caroline and Robin Weirs ‘Chocolate Gelato with Tobacco’ is just a step too far for some people….

Tell us about it

We’d love to hear from you to find out about the most bizarre ice cream flavours you’ve come across – so please get in touch and tell us all about your experience. Don’t forget your photos too!

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