Chocolate helps to maintain brain health.
Researchers from Italy say that regular consumption of chocolate can enhance memory and keep the brain healthy.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of L’aquila (Italy), showed that attention, processing speed of the brain, working memory and verbal fluency in the elderly can be improved by a daily dose of a substance in chocolate called flavanol.
The study team watched what happens to the human brain, a few hours after he ate chocolate. The scientists also found that occurs when people consume chocolate every day over a long period of time.
The results revealed that flavanols have a positive effect on brain function. The participants showed that they have improved memory skills and visual processing. In addition, it can counteract the effects of sleep deprivation, and is therefore able to help people with insomnia.
“This result suggests that chocolate can be highly useful for protecting memory from vulnerable groups of people. Especially pay attention to dark chocolate because it is a source of flavanols,” says the study’s lead author Dr. Valentina Socci.
As a long-term eating chocolate – from 5 days to 3 months – it was found that for older people the functions of the brain increase – all factors such as attention, processing speed of the brain, working memory and fluency were much improved.
However, aside from the obvious health benefits, the researchers also warn about the potential side effects of consuming cocoa and chocolate.
“As a rule, they are associated with the calorie content and various additives that are added to the product in the manufacture of, for example, sugar or milk,” says the doctor.
© 2017, paradox. All rights reserved.
