If there is one thing that almost everybody loves, it is chocolate. Apart from indulging our sweet tooth, it has many health benefits. Studies have shown that cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which offer several health benefits to our body.

One of the most crucial functions of flavonoids is their ability to induce neuroprotective effects on the brain.

What is the relationship between chocolate and brain function?

Studies have proved that cocoa contains a vast amount of flavonoids that can significantly improve cognitive functions such as attention, processing speed, working memory, verbal fluency, and visual-spatial awareness.

They play an essential role in stimulating the blood flow to the brain, which results in an increase in neural blood flow, oxygen, and glucose.

How does it affect our mood?

Chocolate contains several biologically active compounds that affect brain chemistry. It stimulates the release of serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone,” which produces a feeling of well-being, happiness, and calmness.

Serotonin is responsible for moderating our mood, reducing anxiety, and improving our overall emotional state. It also stimulates the release of endorphins that produces a mild high, reduces pain, and induces feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Furthermore, chocolate also contains theobromine, which has a mild stimulant effect that enhances cognitive performance and alertness.

What are the benefits of chocolate on brain functions?

There have been extensive studies on the impact of chocolate on brain functions, and the findings are quite remarkable:.

1. Improves cognitive functions

   Chocolate is rich in flavonols, which helps to improve various cognitive functions, such as short-term memory, concentration, mental fatigue, and processing speed.

   A study conducted on healthy adults found that consuming high doses of cocoa flavonoids daily for twelve weeks resulted in significant improvement in cognitive performance, attention, and working memory.

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2. Boosts mood

   Chocolate is high in a compound called phenylethylamine, which blocks the breakdown of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that targets the parts of your brain that generate feelings of happiness and pleasure.

   This leads to increased feelings of happiness and reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety.

3. Reduces inflammation

   Some studies have suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa may provide neuroprotective effects. It helps prevent brain cells from damage or inflammation caused by rogue molecules called free radicals.

   Inflammation has been linked to the development of several brain conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

4. Enhances blood flow to the brain

   Flavanols in chocolate are known to stimulate nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the brain. This improved blood flow to the brain improves cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and alertness.

5. Protects against neurodegenerative diseases

   Several studies have found that cocoa flavonoids may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

   Flavonoids help to stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons. A deficiency in BDNF has been linked to several neurological disorders.

Conclusion

Consuming chocolate in moderation can have significant benefits on our brain functions. Its flavonoids are known to improve attention, processing speed, working memory, verbal fluency, and visual-spatial awareness.

It also stimulates the release of serotonin and endorphins, which improve our mood and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Furthermore, chocolate helps reduce inflammation, improves blood flow to the brain, and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.

Nevertheless, you should consume chocolate in moderation, as it has a high-calorie content that can lead to several adverse health effects such as obesity and diabetes.