We have great news – eat chocolate, it’s not only good for your soul but also your body, especially your brain. Recent studies have found that by eating dark chocolate every day, you can improve your brain’s cognitive functionality. That being said, you still need to be mindful of how much you eat – a block or two per day is good, a whole slab less so.
So why is dark chocolate good for your brain?
Improves blood flow
A Harvard Medical School study found that by drinking two cups of hot cocoa per day, you can increase the blood flow to your brain for about two to three hours. If the blood flow to your brain improves, it can enhance your short-term memory, memory speed and possibly prevent mental decline in seniors.
Protects against free radicals
When you breathe, you inhale unattached oxygen molecules called free radicals, and they attack your cells. This is what happens to apples and avos when they turn brown. These free radicals also attack your brain cells, but when you consume antioxidants, you can protect these cells and prevent premature brain cell ageing. Cocoa is one of the best sources of antioxidants.
Makes you smarter
Not only does chocolate act as a neuroprotector but it also assists in enhancing the brain’s plasticity, which has been linked to increasing intelligence.
Protects against ageing
It’s been found that by treating brain-related medical conditions such as strokes, dementia or seniors struggling with cognitive impairment with chocolate, brain functionality can be improved. This is due to the flavanols found in chocolate as well as its insulin resistant abilities. By consuming dark chocolate regularly, you can potentially limit, prevent or even reverse age-related brain deterioration.
Improves focus
Cocoa contains both caffeine and flavonoids, which can improve your memory, mood, concentration, and learning ability. Hence, when you eat chocolate while you’re study, you should perform better on cognitive tests.
Reduces stress
Magnesium suppresses the release cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps you relax. And chocolate contains quite a bit of magnesium, which is why you focus better, relax and sleep easier when you eat chocolate.
Who could’ve thought something so delicious can be so good for you? Well, we did. Don’t waste time, do the wise thing today and visit the Beyers Chocolate online shop, our factory stores or any major retailer for your brain food.
This article is only for information purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice.
Information sources:
Be Brain Fit, The Telegraph and Shape
Author
Kees Beyers Chocolate
