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Enhancing cognitive ability is a fascinating scientific challenge. We’re especially interested in preventing cognitive decline while sustaining strong cognitive performance. In recent years the seeds of the cacao fruit, in other words: what makes chocolate, have displayed benefits for our cardiovascular health and function. However, as of recently, potential neuroprotective and cognitive benefits have also been discovered.
A group of researchers from Rome and Italy have found that the natural flavonol content in cacao influences improved brain function, as shared in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. Now, while increasing your intake of chocolate isn’t going to make you Einstein, research does show that there is positive effects for brain power, especially for those who are sleep-deprived, and those facing cognitive challenges.
This group of Italian researchers looked back on 10 previous studies to determine what happens to the brain after ingesting these flavanol compounds. In nine of these 10 studies, a total of 467 subjects experienced an increased proficiency on cognitive tests after ingesting a measured dose of the cacao, containing the natural flavonol content.
Although this research is still in preliminary stages. Cacao has displayed improvement not only for general cognition, but also for attention, processing speed, and working memory.
Some of the most positive effects were measurable in subjects who needed it most, meaning that older adults experiencing memory decline and cognitive impairments could benefit the most from cacao. They also found that people who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation may be able to utilize cacao to counteract cognitive impairment, making it easier to perform tasks while being sleep deprived.
While this research doesn’t exactly make chocolate bars health food, it would still be beneficial to include in your diet cacao in its natural form, before the sugar and other ingredients are added. After these researchers concluded their current study, they had all personally increased their chocolate intake. As they said in a press statement: “Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavonols. So, we always eat some dark chocolate. Every day.”
***The Hearty Soul is the premier online wellness platform. We believe in using natural ingredients to be as healthy as possible. We believe dieting will never work as well as a lifestyle of healthy habits will. We believe you can treat pain and disease without relying on addictive drugs. We believe being happy is a big part of a healthy life.***
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