As a summertime treat, ice cream is beloved by many.

However, despite the temporary coolness and pleasure it brings, excessive consumption of ice cream can have various negative effects on health.

Firstly, ice cream contains a significant amount of sugar, and excessive intake can lead to weight gain and obesity. Most ice creams available on the market are high-sugar foods, with an ordinary ice cream containing dozens of grams of sugar.

A long-term high-sugar diet not only causes weight gain but also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Studies have shown that excessive sugar can lead to insulin resistance, making blood sugar levels difficult to control, and potentially leading to type 2 diabetes. For people who are already obese or have high blood sugar levels, ice cream is not a suitable food.

Secondly, ice cream contains a high amount of saturated fat, which increases blood lipid levels and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many ice creams use whole milk or cream as their main ingredients, which are rich in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Excessive intake of these unhealthy fats can lead to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, thereby raising the risk of arteriosclerosis.

Additionally, a high-fat diet can cause fat accumulation in the liver, leading to problems such as fatty liver. Therefore, for people with cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol issues, ice cream should be chosen with caution.

Thirdly, the low-temperature nature of ice cream can adversely affect the digestive system. Cold foods and drinks can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and cause blood vessels to constrict, thus affecting digestive function.

This is particularly true for people with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcers or gastritis; eating ice cream can aggravate symptoms and cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts.

Moreover, the frozen ingredients in ice cream may affect the secretion of gastric acid, slowing down digestion, and further affecting the digestion and absorption of food.

Fourthly, additives and artificial colors in ice cream can also be potentially harmful to health. To improve taste and appearance, many ice creams are laden with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

While safe in small amounts, long-term and large-scale consumption of these additives may have adverse health effects.

For instance, some artificial colors are suspected to be linked to behavioral problems such as ADHD, and certain preservatives may cause allergic reactions or other health issues.

Therefore, people who are sensitive to these additives or have a history of allergies should be particularly careful when selecting ice cream.

Given the above four major health risks, certain groups of people should pay special attention to avoiding or reducing their ice cream consumption.

The first group includes diabetic patients and people with unstable blood sugar levels, as high-sugar ice cream can cause blood sugar fluctuations and complicate disease management.

The second group includes individuals with cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol issues, as the saturated fat and cholesterol in ice cream can further strain the cardiovascular system.

The third group consists of people with weak gastrointestinal function, particularly those with a history of gastric ulcers or gastritis; the low temperature of ice cream can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and affect digestion.

The fourth group comprises people who are sensitive to additives or have a history of allergies, as they need to be cautious about the artificial ingredients in ice cream.

Lastly, people who are obese or are trying to lose weight should also be cautious, as the high-calorie content of ice cream can impede weight management and hinder weight loss goals.

Although ice cream is delicious, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid the health risks associated with excessive intake. Especially for certain special groups, it is essential to choose carefully and reasonably control ice cream consumption to maintain overall health and vitality.