Did You Know That With A Square Of Dark Chocolate You Can Protect Your Brain?
The consumption of chocolate promotes blood flow to the brain and strengthens memory, so it could prevent diseases such as senile dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Until a few years ago, most people preferred to avoid the temptation to eat chocolate because there were a variety of myths about its consumption. However, thanks to several investigations it was determined that there are many benefits that are obtained through its moderate intake and thanks to this many people are already including it in small portions in their diet.
Dark chocolate with at least 65% cocoa has a significant amount of antioxidants and nutrients that improve health in many ways. The brain is one of the organs that benefits the most from these important properties as it helps improve blood flow.
As some people still think that if they eat a little chocolate they are committing a “sin”, today we are going to share all the benefits it has to take care of the brain and improve memory.
Chocolate: the brain’s ally food
A moderate consumption of chocolate helps to improve memory performance, since it stimulates several of the brain functions and favors the rest of the body.
This was demonstrated by an investigation carried out by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston (United States) in which several of the benefits of this delicious food have been enunciated.
To draw the conclusions, the researchers took data from a group of adults over 60, who drank hot chocolate twice a day for a month.
The results were overwhelming: the participants achieved up to a 30% increase in memory performance and their ability to solve problems.
At the brain level, an 8.3% increase in blood flow was found, a quite important figure if we consider that the higher the flow, the greater the activity.
It should be noted that the people who were part of this study received a type of chocolate with high doses of cocoa.
According to other research published in The British Journal of Nutrition, regular consumption of this food contributes to reducing the risk of developing brain and intestinal diseases, since both organs are closely related.
Why is it good for the brain?
The high content of flavonoids is one of the reasons why this food has such a positive effect on brain health. This antioxidant, added to a minimal dose of caffeine, plays an important role in activating the brain’s pleasure centers. It should be taken into account that caffeine itself has been shown to be able to contribute to the prevention of neurological pathologies.
Chemical substances responsible for the mood and well-being of the entire body are released in this area, which is why many of its benefits are felt immediately.
In addition, it contains minerals such as potassium, copper, magnesium and iron which may help reduce the risk of stroke.
But, without a doubt, its main virtue is its ability to improve blood flow to the brain, which supports the strengthening of memory by preventing chronic diseases such as senile dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Is it healthy to eat chocolate every day?
It all depends on the quantity. Of course, it is not recommended to eat a whole chocolate bar in a day because, in addition to supplying an excessive intake of calories, it can also cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels.
An important part of this food is made up of cocoa. So far good. The problem is that the other part contains sugars, fats and some additives that can be counterproductive if ingested in excess and in one hit. However, consuming the one with a high percentage of cocoa is highly recommended, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition.
It should be noted that a drink made of dark chocolate is not the same as those sweet chocolates sold in the market. Both have the benefits of cocoa, but in the case of bitter, more nutrients and fewer additional ingredients are concentrated.
People who suffer from obesity and diabetes have many doubts when it comes to incorporating this food into their diets; however, it is proven that they can eat a minimum of 28 grams a day, which is equivalent to a cup of hot chocolate.
For those who do not suffer from either of these two conditions, the optimal amount to enjoy its benefits is 32 grams.
Include dark chocolate in your regular diet
Something that is worth mentioning is that some people may find it difficult to moderate their consumption, because it generates a certain addiction. However, this effect diminishes when it has a high cocoa content and a more bitter taste.
Despite this, it is good that those who want to ingest it plan their consumption so as not to exceed the recommended amounts.
