Indulging in chocolate may be more than just a guilty pleasure. Chocolate, specifically its main ingredient cocoa, may actually help keep your brain function intact as you age. Researchers at the University of L’Aquila in Italy have revealed that the natural chemicals in cocoa, known as flavanols, can slow the development of a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.
MCI is a gradual memory loss that becomes more severe over time. Without intervention, MCI can eventually progress into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, affecting an individual’s cognitive abilities, daily life, and overall wellbeing.
Flavanols not only exist in cocoa but can also be found in tea, grapes, red wine, and apples. These incredible compounds are believed to help protect the brain’s neurons from injury, improve metabolism, and increase blood flow to the brain. All of these effects contribute to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
University of L’Aquila researcher Giovambattista Desideri says, “This study provides encouraging evidence that consuming cocoa flavanols, as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet, could improve cognitive function.” He also notes that “the positive effect on cognitive function may be mainly mediated by an improvement in insulin sensitivity.” However, he clarifies that “it is yet unclear whether these benefits in cognition are a direct consequence of cocoa flavanols or a secondary effect of general improvements in cardiovascular function.”
Either way, cocoa flavanols certainly seem to have positive effects on both cognitive and cardiovascular health. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should indulge in copious amounts of chocolate – it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle overall. Including a small dose of cocoa or dark chocolate in your diet could be a delicious and beneficial addition.
It’s essential to choose the right kind of chocolate to consume to obtain these benefits. Not just any chocolate bar will do the trick. Most commercially available chocolates have minimal levels of cocoa and are laden with sugar, fats, and other unhealthy additives that negate any potential benefits.
To maximize cocoa flavanols intake, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (preferably 70 percent or higher) since higher cocoa content means higher flavanol content. Better still, opt for raw, organic cacao products to preserve even more vital nutrients and antioxidants. Just remember that moderation is key – research supports consuming a small amount of dark chocolate or cocoa (around 10 grams) daily for optimal health benefits.
Apart from merely enhancing your daily treat, incorporating cocoa into your diet can positively impact more than just cognitive function. Research has shown that the health benefits of consuming cocoa products, like dark chocolate, are vast, with potential improvements in heart health, stress reduction, and skin health, to name just a few.
For better heart health, cocoa flavanols have been found to reduce inflammation, prevent cholesterol build-up in the arteries, and lower blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. As a stress reliever, dark chocolate has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase serotonin and endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that help elevate mood and promote relaxation. For your skin, antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help protect against sun damage and reduce inflammation and redness, resulting in healthier and more radiant skin.
When you consider these additional health benefits of cocoa, the case for including some high-quality cocoa products (like dark chocolate) in your diet becomes even more persuasive. Still, always remember to practice moderation in consumption and maintain a balanced, nutritionally rich diet.
In conclusion, including a small amount of cocoa-rich dark chocolate in your everyday diet might be just the treat you need, and not just for your taste buds. This seemingly sinful indulgence, when consumed in moderation and with the right cocoa content, could contribute to better cognitive function, heart health, and overall wellbeing. So go ahead and savor your moment of zen with a piece of delicious, health-boosting dark chocolate.
