July 9th, 2024

Nutrition Science's Most Preposterous Result

A surprising study suggests ice cream may reduce heart problems and diabetes risk. Harvard research shows a link, but yogurt is promoted for health benefits instead. Nutritional science complexities are discussed.

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Nutrition Science's Most Preposterous Result

The Atlantic article discusses a surprising scientific finding that suggests a potential health benefit of ice cream consumption, particularly in relation to reducing the risk of heart problems and diabetes. The research, conducted by Harvard doctoral student Andres Ardisson Korat, revealed an association between eating ice cream and positive health outcomes among diabetics. Despite efforts to debunk the findings, the results remained robust and intriguing to the scientific community. Subsequent studies by Harvard researchers also hinted at the health benefits of ice cream, although the focus shifted towards promoting yogurt as a healthier dairy option. While the data suggested a potential link between ice cream consumption and reduced diabetes risk, researchers were more inclined to emphasize the benefits of yogurt due to its perceived health properties and existing literature supporting its positive effects. The article highlights the complexities of nutritional epidemiology and the challenges researchers face when confronted with unexpected results that challenge conventional wisdom.

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Link Icon 4 comments
By @barryrandall - 6 months
Everytime I encounter a "daily consumption of ${thing widely believed to be unhealthy} improves health" story it inevitably turns out that the researchers just found another proxy for socio-economic status. Could that be the case here?
By @1auralynn - 6 months
I dunno, when I had gestational diabetes, a little bit of ice cream was mostly fine - the protein and fat content kept my blood sugar from spiking. In contrast, white rice was much much worse. Maybe it's just all about the glycemic index, paired with the fact that ice cream is so satisfying so it might keep you from other carb-heavy snacks.
By @mikestew - 6 months
https://archive.is/6yLjd

“One of his studies had led him to an unusual conclusion: Among diabetics, eating half a cup of ice cream a day was associated with a lower risk of heart problems.”

By @beryilma - 6 months
As usual, "correlation is not causation".