 |
 |
Check out the New Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate
ShareCheck out the New Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate
Chocoholics, raise your wrappers! Because a new study has found eating dark chocolate lowers stress and inflammation. It also enhances mood, memory, and immunity.The study, from Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, found chocolate with at least 70% cacao can positively impact cognitive, cardiovascular, and endocrine health. Presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual meeting in San Diego, it was the first study to make this connection.
"For years, we have looked at the influence of dark chocolate on neurological functions from the standpoint of sugar content – the more sugar, the happier we are," said lead investigator Lee S Berk.
"This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and are encouraged by the findings. These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects."
Why is dark chocolate so good for us?
We’ve known for some time that cacao flavonoids are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. But this study went a few steps further.It found that eating dark chocolate stimulates the pathways involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response, and the genes that help with neural signalling and sensory perception (which is possibly linked with brain hyperplasticity). This demonstrates dark chocolate can improve our immunity.
It also found that dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao improves neuroplasticity, contributing to better brain health and behaviour.
How much dark chocolate is healthy?
As with all things, dark chocolate should be eaten in moderation. A dietician or nutritionist can guide you to an amount that’s considered healthy for your body and lifestyle. But the general consensus is 30-60g of dark chocolate a day – the higher the cacao percentage, the better.
Printer Friendly Version
References
Related Modalities
Men's Health Women's Health
