• April 16, 2024

Chocolate is a food of pre-Hispanic origin that has traveled the world not only for its flavor and usefulness, but also for the health benefits of eating chocolate, beyond simply improving the mood.

Due to its high antioxidant content, eating chocolate has several benefits to our body, and particularly for the brain, as shown by several studies.

Benefits for your brain

The correct functioning of our brain depends on the rest of organs and the body, because it is responsible for transmitting information and nerve impulses to control and coordinate functions effectively, as well as cognition, memory and learning. And it is precisely in this sense, that eating chocolate can influence its performance:

1. Improves oxygenation . According to a study by the Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging Drinking two cups of chocolate allows better circulation to the brain, so it is oxygenated properly.

2. Increase retention and short-term memory. After eating chocolate, explain the researchers of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , increases the speed of response of working memory, which allows to retain information such as digits or words during a short period of time and improves cognitive abilities.

3. Provides satisfaction . When we eat chocolate, in our brain certain areas are activated, such as reward, due to the production of enkephalins, so that their consumption can even be addictive. These areas, highlights a study of the University of Michigan, they are the same ones that are activated with some drugs.

4. Antidepressant . Phenylethylamine, composed of chocolate that reaches the brain, triggers a state of euphoria and well-being when eating it, similar to the effect that its alkaloids have on the nervous system, which is why it is considered a natural antidepressant since endorphins and serotonin are released.

5. Anti-inflammatory. Researchers of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm (Sweden) say that chocolate consumption prevents some cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke or stroke, according to a study published in the last issue of the Neurology magazine.

There are several studies that associate eating chocolate, with an improvement in people's health, almost even at the same level as an exercise session, laughter, sex or even falling in love; however, more benefits for the brain are shown every day.

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