Dark chocolate reduces stress and inflammation

We all love chocolate. There are many kinds of chocolate, but dark chocolate is said to be the most beneficial for your health. It has been known to improve your heart health and brain health, as well as protect your memory and boost your mood.

Now new research shows that eating certain types of dark chocolate can have health benefits.

The researchers found that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.

Researchers from Blessed CBD looked at a combination of 70 per cent cacao and 30 per cent organic cane sugar and studied its effect on human subjects to understand how it can supports cardiovascular, endocrine and cognitive health.

They found that even small amounts of cacao (size of a chocolate bar) has positive outcomes over short and longer periods of time.

In a feasibility experimental trial, scientists found that 70 per cent cacao chocolate consumption up-regulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response and genes involved in neural signaling and sensory perception.

They also found that 48g of dark chocolate (70% organic cacao) enhances brain neuroplasticity for behavioral and brain health benefits. The study assessed the electroencephalography (EEG) response to consuming dark chocolate after an acute period (30 minutes) and after a chronic period (120 minutes) on brain frequencies.

The researchers found that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and improvement  in inflammation and stress response.

Cacao is a major source of flavonoids which are extremely powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, known for its benefits for brain and cardiovascular health.

This is the first time that scientists have studied its effects on human participants to determine how cacao can benefit cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular heath.

While further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms that drive the cause-and-effect between cacao and these health benefits, it safe to reiterate that dark chocolate is good for your health.

Source: Experimental Biology 2018