Improve Mental Performance With Ice Cream?

There’s sometimes just plain bad science and then there is laughable science… The latest in the latter category is a study that claims eating ice cream for breakfast may improve mental performance and alertness.

Now, I’m almost certain that most people would think: Yep, that makes perfect sense because the sugar in ice cream will easily put you on a mental high.

But that’s not what the researchers say.

Two scoops of crazy

According to Japanese researchers from Kyorin University, allowing children to have a scoop of the cold, sweet stuff first thing in the morning could make them smarter.

For the study, researchers compared participant’s brain activity that had been given ice cream immediately after waking up with those who had not eaten ice cream. The researchers found that the ice cream breakfast eaters showed better reaction time and were able to process information faster than those who did not have ice cream.

Further tests of brain activity also showed that the people who had ice cream first thing in the morning had an increase in high-frequency alpha waves, which are associated with higher levels of alertness and can reduce mental irritation.

The participants were tested a second time, where they were given cold water immediately after waking up instead of ice cream. Although the results from that particular test did show higher levels of alertness and mental capacity, people who had ice cream for breakfast showed significantly higher mental stimulation.

Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Professor Yoshihiko Koga said eating ice cream right after waking up can result in improved instances of alertness and mental performance.

Koga added that more research still needs to be conducted to thoroughly determine what specific ingredient in ice cream could be responsible for the mental boost. (Uh, here’s a clue: sugar!) The researchers are also hoping to determine if ice cream is a trigger for positive emotion and higher levels of energy… Seriously? Do I need to repeat that first clue?

I really hope nobody takes this study seriously because it is absolutely ridiculous.

There is plenty of solid research behind the fact that sugar-laden foods, like ice cream, play a huge role in the escalating numbers of type 2 diabetes and childhood obesity.

If you really want to achieve improved mental performance and alertness first thing in the morning, have a strong cup of organic filter coffee. The numerous health benefits of coffee, like helping to REDUCE the risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even depression, have been proven time and again. AND, that cuppa Joe won’t make you fat.

Another great way to energise yourself and boost your mental performance at the beginning of your day is to do mild cardiovascular exercise, like a brisk walk or a short run.

But whatever you do to wake up properly and be at your best, do not reach for a bowl of Ben & Jerry’s!

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

Eating Ice Cream For Breakfast May Improve Mental Performance And Alertness, Study Says, published online 26.11.16, ibtimes.com