During hot summer days, many turn to ice cream or iced drinks for refreshment. Yet, Chef Vu Nhat Thong, founder of the Eric Vu Cooking Class Culinary Center, warns that relying on cold foods for cooling is a common misconception.
While ice cream offers an immediate cooling sensation, its ingredients actually generate heat within the body. Ice cream is primarily made from milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks. These components are rich in fat, protein, and refined sugar. In culinary traditions that consider the energetic properties of food, these energy-producing ingredients are often classified as "yang," meaning they have a warming effect.
 |
Ice cream warms the body, while watermelon cools it. Illustration by AI |
The U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published a medical study on thermoregulation, highlighting how body temperature is affected by digestion. This process, termed the "thermic effect of food" (TEF), involves the body expending energy to chew, digest, and absorb food, which in turn generates heat.
When consuming cold items like ice cream or iced water, the body immediately activates its internal warming mechanisms to maintain core temperature. Furthermore, the digestive system works hard to break down the complex chemical structures of proteins and fats found in ice cream. This metabolic conversion produces a significant amount of heat, ultimately counteracting and even exceeding any initial cooling sensation.
The high sugar content in ice cream also causes a spike in blood sugar, triggering a metabolic response that can lead to dehydration and increased thirst. Consequently, individuals feel heated from the inside, experiencing a prolonged sensation of internal warmth.
For safe and effective summer cooling, Chef Vu Nhat Thong recommends regularly consuming naturally "yin" foods like watermelon, winter melon, and cucumber. These offer genuine relief, unlike the superficial coolness of sugary frozen treats.
Watermelon, highlighted by Thong as an effective cooling food, consists of over 90% water. In the context of natural elements, water embodies the "yin" principle, known for its cooling and nourishing properties. Watermelon's natural, refreshing sweetness provides ample hydration and essential electrolytes.
When consumed, watermelon requires minimal digestive effort from the stomach. The body directly absorbs its water and electrolytes, facilitating internal cooling without generating excess heat.
By Bao Nhien
