Understanding the Chocolate and Brain Function
A lot of studies on brain function have been underway for some time. What you might not know is that some definitive correlations have been found between cognitive brain function and weird products that you might not necessarily have thought of chocolate being one of them. In fact, chocolate and brain function are not necessarily two things you would instinctively link, but specific compounds in chocolate (and in coffee) have been shown to have positive effects on cognitive functioning: flavonoid compounds.
Cocoa flavanols are natural substances found in fresh beans that tend to be broken down as they are processed into candies like milk and white chocolate, or baked goods like brownies. As such, dark chocolates are among the most flavanol-rich foods we have. Between this molecule, theobromine, and other antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins contained in chocolate, we end up with a cocktail of molecules capable of stimulating brain activity, regulating the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, and also to support blood circulation and blood vessels. It is also beneficial for psychological healthcare.
Consuming dark chocolate may reduce certain risk factors for heart disease and blood pressure because its compounds appear to protect against low-density lipid oxidation. Other studies meanwhile show improvements in areas such as calming effects, fatigue, and sleep deprivation by modulating and limiting the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which contribute to wakefulness and alertness. activation. More importantly, foods containing cocoa are rich in flavanols, which is one of the main active ingredients linked to improved cognitive functioning.
In fact, MRI studies have shown that dark chocolate is involved in the dilation of cerebral blood vessels so that more oxygen enters key areas of the brain, namely the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. Evidence currently supports that dark chocolate, due to these properties, can improve people's scores on tests of verbal fluency, memory, and learning; although many refer to this as anti-aging effects, the term is misplaced because the flavanols in cocoa are thought to help promote neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) without necessarily reversing cell loss and damage. While this increased cognitive activation is present in people of all ages, the link between chocolate and brain function appears to be more pronounced in older adults.
We must now be careful because dark chocolate still contains significant amounts of calories. Drinking too much might lead to extra weight. Still, moderation is key, and you can still grab your daily little piece of dark chocolate and feel content knowing it's being consumed for your own good. Be sure to aim for bars with at least 70% cocoa content if you really want to prioritize its transformation health and cognitive benefits.
