Two decades ago, nutritional epidemiologists made a startling finding – that people eating more ice cream were less likely to develop diabetes.

In the years since, various groups have tried to account for this peculiar scientific signal — with limited success.

In multiple studies the link between ice cream and a reduced risk of diabetes persists. Yet nutrition experts globally still aren’t convinced.

But if it’s not true, what’s causing the signal?

Grab a spoon and dig into culture, causation and confounders — and the joy of a tub of ice cream.

Credits:

• Presenter: Dr Emma Beckett
• Producer: Carl Smith
• Senior Producer: James Bullen
• Sound Engineer: Nathan Turnbull

This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal, Jagera and Turrbal peoples.

More information:

Nutrition Science's Most Preposterous Result - The Atlantic.

Here's the scoop on the new thinking about ice cream, yogurt, cheese and health - WBUR.

Dairy and your heart health - Heart Foundation.