Benefits of Consuming Dark Chocolate and Cacao

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Dark chocolate can lower stress, inflammation and improve memory

Consuming dark chocolate and/or cacao has several benefits to brain function, including reducing stress levels and inflammation, and improving mood, memory and immunity, according to two studies. The natural stuff in dark chocolate and cacao is chock-full of ingredients called flavanols, antioxidant compounds found in cocoa beans.

Researchers at Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center in Southern California studied how consumption of dark chocolate with a high concentration of cacao — at least 80 percent — has positive health benefits and effects.

Tests revealed that dark chocolate or cacao can stimulate the body to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels to allow an increased flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, brain, and other organs of the body.

In the past, research has shown that cacao is a major source of flavonoids. Because they are extremely potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, flavonoids benefit brain and cardiovascular health, the researchers said.

“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,” Dr. Lee S. Berk, associate dean of research affairs at Loma Linda and principal investigator on both studies, said in a press release. “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.”

Tests have found that the equivalent of four cups of flavanol-rich cocoa dramatically increased blood flow to the arms and fingers of people after only four days. Such an increase can help people fighting diseases ranging from high blood pressure, hardening of arteries, and stroke to diabetes, vascular dementia, and preeclampsia, a serious condition that affects pregnant women.

 

References:

  1. https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2018/04/25/Studies-Dark-chocolate-can-lower-stress-and-inflammation-improve-memory/3201524661285/
  2. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/02/cocoa-shows-promise-as-next-wonder-drug/
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