What Does Dark Chocolate Do To The Brain?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cocoa or dark chocolate may

improve brain function by increasing blood flow

. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.

Which dark chocolate is best for brain?

The answer, surprisingly, is that

extra dark chocolate

is GREAT for brain health. While pure cocoa is best, this may be too bitter for anyone with a sweet tooth, so a good rule of thumb is to go for chocolate that is 85% cocoa or more. Basically, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for your brain.

How much dark chocolate is good for your brain?

In recent studies, it was shown that dark chocolate intake with a

mean dose of 516 mg and a high dose of 903 mg of flavonoids

increases brain blood flow as evaluated by functional magnetic resonance [13] and near-infrared spectroscopy [14].

Does dark chocolate make you smarter?

A new study published in the journal Appetite suggests

eating chocolate is positively linked to improved cognitive function

. … The researchers found chocolate intake was positively associated with cognitive performance, across a range of cognitive domains in this dementia-free, community-dwelling population.

How does chocolate affect your brain?



Chocolate boosts the production of endorphins

, better known as the ‘feel-good' chemical of your brain,” Culler says. After eating it, you may experience a more positive outlook, and possibly even a sense of “euphoria,” all thanks to the way it impacts your hormones.

Does chocolate affect memory?


Dark Chocolate Improves Memory

, Reduces Stress. Researchers say eating dark chocolate can change your brain wave frequency, providing benefits in memory improvement and stress reduction. … “The gamma frequency is up-regulated, enhanced, turned on by virtue of the chocolate antioxidants.”

What are the side effects of dark chocolate?

Cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals. Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness,

increased urination, sleeplessness

, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions, constipation, and might trigger migraine headaches.

Is it OK to eat dark chocolate every day?

Here's news that's hard not to like. Eating

a small, 1.6-ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for

you.

Does dark chocolate help you sleep?

Dark chocolate

contains serotonin

, too, so both of these chemicals help flood your brain with neurotransmitters that make your feel relaxed — and maybe even a bit sleepy.

Is dark chocolate good for mental health?

Summary: Eating

dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression

. People who ate dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70% reduced odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who did not eat chocolate.

Does chocolate make you more intelligent?



Chocolate makes you smarter

, proves 40-year study,” claims the Daily Express. … They found that people who said they ate chocolate at least once a week performed better in a range of mental tests involving memory and abstract thinking (among other functions), compared to those who rarely or never ate chocolate.

Does dark chocolate help with studying?

Dark chocolate especially

enhances your body's production of chemicals called endorphins

. 2. … Eating chocolate or drinking improved attention span and reaction time. It was especially found to be helpful when studying math.

How much dark chocolate should I eat a day?

Even though quality dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate, it is still chocolate, meaning it's high in calories and saturated fat. To avoid weight gain, Amidor recommends eating

no more than 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day

.

Does chocolate have side effects?

But keep in mind that cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals. Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as

nervousness

, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions, constipation, and might trigger migraine headaches.

Why do I feel better after eating chocolate?


Endorphins

interact with the receptors in our brain that reduce the perception of pain, and can help trigger a positive feeling in the body. … Researchers have found that cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, causes the brain to release these ”feel good” chemicals (AKA endorphins).

What does chocolate do to your skin?

So is chocolate bad for your skin? Research suggests

there is no direct link between

the components found in chocolate and skin conditions like acne. Eating an excessive amount of fat and refined sugars may trigger an inflammatory response from the body, leading to acne.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.