Rich, indulgent and the perfect sweet treat. Chocolate isn’t just delicious. It is also a powerful brain booster.
Chocolate comes in three entwining forms. Cacao, cocoa and the type of chocolate that we look for in a shop - a sweet, creamy chocolate bar providing that instant hit of sugar.
Cacao refers to the raw material: the cacao beans that are harvested from the cacao tree. Cocoa is then created after these beans are finely ground into a powder and roasted, and finally chocolate is made when we combine sugar, milk, cocoa butter and cacao powder. Despite an ‘unhealthy’ reputation, both cocoa and chocolate contain numerous substances including flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have beneficial effects on the brain while helping to protect against age-related cognitive decline.
One research study found that both acute and chronic cocoa intake increased cerebral blood flow to the brain, and there seemed to be an overall better cognitive performance over long periods of consumption. Cocoa aids in cerebral blood flow by promoting the production of nitric oxide which aids the dilation of blood vessels – this allows more blood to flow through to the brain. Healthy blood flow is imperative as it ensures that the brain receives a good supply of oxygen and nutrients, while also encouraging the development of new neural pathways and synaptic plasticity. Increased perfusion of the brain helps to optimise brain performance and reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
If you can, always opt for dark chocolate over white or milk. Those who consume dark chocolate have a higher intake of flavonoids simply because dark chocolate contains less sugar and milk with much more cacao. Incrementally, this helps to improve memory, attention and overall cognitive well being. In addition, there is the added benefit of chocolate being a mood enhancer. Chocolate contains compounds that are known to promote feelings of happiness and it does these by stimulating the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters in the brain to create that sense of relaxation. In turn, this reduces stress by limiting the production of a stress hormone called cortisol which can lead to brain inflammation if chronic stress is experienced.
Despite common opinion, chocolate isn’t just a delicious indulgence; it’s also a powerful brain booster. From improving cognitive function to reducing stress and enhancing mood by improving blood flow, chocolate offers a wide range of benefits for the brain.
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