It is that time of year when we all can celebrate something that we can enjoy. At a time when politics seems to becoming a contact sport and tempers and temperature's are escalating to record heights, National Ice Cream Day could not come at a better time. No matter your age or political party, ice cream can bring out the best in everyone. Just curious, when was the last time ice cream did not make you smile?
For the record, in 1984 President Ronald Reagan issued a Proclamation making the month of July, National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July, National Ice Cream Day. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Americans consume 23 gallons of ice cream on average annually. In addition to that sweet news, ice cream companies contribute $11 billion to the national economy while providing 26,000 jobs. With the smiles ice cream generates and the positive economic numbers it provides, the U.S. should find a way to celebrate ice cream even more!
It might be stretching the truth somewhat saying, ice cream provides healthy benefits. However, GymChalo reports what should be music to the ears for older Americans, ice cream is a rich source of calcium. Calcium strengthens your bones and protects your teeth by building strong gums. Also, it provides a healthy dose of vitamins A, D, K, B-6, B-12 and E.
- Vitamin A improves eye sight and the immune system
- Vitamin D absorbs calcium and other healthy nutrients and stores them in the kidneys
- Vitamin K increases blood flow, opens blocked blood cells and prevents blood clotting
- Vitamin B12 improves the memory and nervous system
Regardless of healthy benefits or not, the Neuroscientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London scanned the brains of people who were eating ice cream and found an immediate effect on the brain. One of the research analysts reported, “This is the first time that we have been able to show ice cream makes you happy. Just one spoonful lights up the happy zones of the brain in clinical trials.”
Whether you are planning to celebrate all month long for “National Ice Cream Month” or on Sunday for National Ice Cream Day, the important thing is to enjoy your favorite scoop and cherish the moment. We have heard the compelling evidence that ice cream can make you smile, but we would like to know your favorite and why? For me, when I have experienced a dreadful day, I enjoy visiting an ice cream parlor and ordering the largest mint chocolate chip milk shake on the menu. Something about that shake always finds a way to brighten my day.
With the local, state, and national political debate covering the airwaves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is time to take a break from the pressures of life and delve into what truly makes you smile, a sweet treat from your local ice cream shop. Happy National Ice Cream Month!