Desserts are everyone’s favourite. But a lot of people avoid this part of the meal because they’re trying to observe a ‘healthier’ lifestyle. What they don’t know is that eating desserts is a healthy choice. Kick that guilt away and see why science supports eating desserts every day.
It Reduces Risk for Stroke
One study found that munching on a standard chocolate bar weekly could reduce the risk of stroke by 17%. The connection between the sweets and the lower disease risk? Flavonoids.
Flavonoids are chemicals in chocolates that reduce stickiness in blood, which keeps clot formation at bay. These chemicals also help dilate arteries, promoting better blood flow.
It Helps You Lose Weight
It’s true! Researchers from Tel Aviv University split participants into two groups for a experiment. One group ate a 300-calorie breakfast, while the other was on 600 calories—with chocolate and ice cream desserts. Both groups lost weight in the first phase of the study, but in the second phase, the first group reported they were always hungry, while the other group was always full.
The explanation? A breakfast rich in carbohydrates and proteins curbs your hunger pangs and cravings, keeping you from relapsing to weight gain. So, enjoy your breakfast with some cake on your plate! For extra fun, you may want to design your own cake online.
It Makes You Happy
And happiness is part of good health. Several studies show that happiness is linked to a robust immune system, reduced risk of chronic pain, and lower stress levels.
So how does dessert exactly make you happy? In one experiment, researchers scanned the brains of people eating vanilla ice cream. What they found was a significant effect on the orbitofrontal cortex, the part of the brain that gets activated when people experience pleasure.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little down or stressed, give in to your sweet tooth and take that spoonful of ice cream. It may just be what you need to make yourself healthy and happy.