Four reasons to enjoy that chocolate for mood and cognitive health
Looking for an excuse to eat chocolate? Here are 4!
From the Aztecs to the European aristocracy, chocolate is a delicious food that has been enjoyed for centuries. Turns out: it can also be good for you!
For our last week of my mood food series on Instagram, we looked at how chocolate benefits your brain.
Dark chocolate in particular:
Improves cognition
Research shows that dark chocolate may lead to cognitive enhancement. Eating 48 grams of organic chocolate with 70% cacao or more increased neuroplasticity, which can have positive effects on memory, cognition, and mood.
These brain health benefits may be due to the high levels of flavonoids found in dark chocolate, which improve blood flow to the brain.
Boosts mood
Research also shows that dark chocolate stimulates neural activity in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward.
Chocolate is also a top dietary source of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, the happiness and positive mood neurotransmitter.
Protects against free radical damage
The brain is highly susceptible to free radical damage. Raw cacao is packed with powerful anti-oxidants - actually more than green tea or red wine.
Anti-oxidants protect brain cells by neutralizing free radical damage and preventing premature brain cell aging.
Supports gut microbiome
During digestion, chocolate acts like a prebiotic, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting the gut microbiome.
A healthy microbiome is incredibly important for mood and cognitive health!
WTM’s tips for getting the most benefits out of eating chocolate:
Opt for dark - 70% cacao or higher
Choose raw cacao products, including raw cacao powder and cacao nibs
Opt for cacao, not cocoa - cocoa is processed at a high temperatures, which destroys some nutrients
Skip the sugary and highly processed stuff with additives - these will outdo the benefits
How often do you eat dark chocolate?
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/your-brain-on-chocolate-2017081612179
https://vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/Raw_Cacao_Side_Effects
https://greatist.com/eat/best-brain-foods#dark-chocolate
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zngsqp3
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mood-food#2.-Dark-chocolate
