Why is Ice Cream such a mood lifter?

The word 'Ice cream' is always tied with happiness. It's a happy hormone booster. Are you feeling sad? Grab an ice cream cone. Have any good news? Celebrate it with ice cream. Are you looking for a cheap date? Ice cream date is here to the rescue. Vanilla, chocolate, mango, strawberry, blueberry, mint, butterscotch, and many more mood-lifting flavors are there to satisfy your cravings.

The story of ice cream winning our hearts over time as a delicacy is interesting. Ice cream has long been hailed as a beloved treat cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds. Its ability to lift spirits and bring joy in summer or winter is undeniable. 

This happy food was gatekept over centuries! 

The origins of frozen desserts go way back. One record shows ice cream-like foods originating in Persia as far back as 550 BC. They used ice pools to serve and produce flooded sorbets all year round. A Roman cookbook from the 1st century had recipes for sweet desserts sprinkled with snow! 

Kakigōri, a Japanese dessert made with ice and flavored syrup, was only served to the aristocracy. In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire sent horse riders to collect ice from the Himalayas and take it to its capital, Delhi, to make Kulfi malai. Kulfi means covered cup. 

After years of gatekeeping by the elite, ice cream was commercialized in the USA in the nineteenth century.

Also, constantly experimenting with recipes and bringing new flavors to the market was a brilliant business strategy. 

Why Ice Cream's is a mood-lifter? 

This dessert has a widespread appeal and some psychological fun facts behind it. The combination of cold temperature and creamy texture triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, leading to a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. The sweetness of ice cream stimulates the taste buds and activates reward pathways in the brain, making one feel joyful. 

Research done by the Institute of Psychiatry in London on ice cream showed the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a portion of the brain responsible for joyful experiences, begins to respond after just a taste of ice cream.

Another study claimed that having ice cream activates a specific part of the brain called the oral somatosensory area. This part reflects the taste, texture, and temperature perception when tested with the tasteless solution. 

Ice cream activates reward and motivation-related areas of the brain, and they found a strong relation between the power of this activation and regular ice cream consumption. The cool temperature calms our body, decreases cortisol levels, and makes us feel relieved. 

Ice cream on a romantic date 

Ice cream is a casual go-to food choice for a date that goes with anything. Couples often share romantic moments over a scoop of ice cream, a gesture of love and affection. Sharing a cone or spoon-feeding each other creates intimacy and strengthens bonds.

School children's delight in summer, passersby's comfort under the burning sun, and scoops of bonding over a family gathering. 

Ice cream in the pop culture

Gen Zs danced away their summer moment with "Ice Cream by Blackpink ft Selena Gomez" just after COVID-19. Melodies and lyrics favored this delicacy as a form of something refreshing. 

Ice cream has always added layers to literary works and media platforms. From Roald Dahl's book 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' to Louis Prima's melody song 'Banana Split for My Baby,' Everywhere ice cream had its interpretation. Somewhere romantic, somewhere satiric. 

The infamous black horror movie Ice Cream Man shook us well, whereas movies like Sleepless Seattle and 13 Going on 30 made us feel emotional vulnerabilities through ice cream. Comedy films like Click or Superbad used ice cream as a mishap to make us laugh. 

What purpose does ice cream not serve? 

Sabiha Yasmin, who is studying in class nine at the Holy Cross School in the capital, always loves having her favorite chocolate ice cream cone after having a hectic day after school and private tuition. Meanwhile, struggling with personal problems, her sister resorts to ice cream as the ultimate comfort. Their mother offers ice cream when guests visit their house, and their brother loves to have popsicles with friends after football practice at the playground. On the other hand, the father brings a box of ice cream cake to celebrate his promotion. It is excellent how one food serves all of us in its way! 

Whether enjoyed alone, with loved ones, or as a romantic gesture, a scoop of ice cream can brighten even the gloomiest days and bring a smile to faces worldwide. So the next time you're feeling down, why not indulge in a little scoop of happiness? 

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