Several cups of cocoa improves brain performance
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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Scientists are sure: two cups of fresh cocoa per day can provide good memory, speed of reaction and brain performance. Recent studies conducted by American neurologists have shown that cocoa significantly improves blood circulation and, consequently, blood supply to the brain.
Americans conducted a number of studies in which more than 60 elderly volunteers took part. In the experiment, people over 65 years of age did not suffer from acquired dementia associated with age. The results of the study showed that elderly people who regularly use cocoa can preserve the memory and brain capacity for a long time. Scientists believe that this action of cocoa has because of the ability to influence the blood circulation.
The experiment consisted in that scientists asked volunteers whose average age was 72 years, during a few months to drink at least two cups of cocoa daily. Participants were divided into two groups, one of which consumed cocoa with a high content of flavonoids, and the second - with a low content. The influence of cocoa on the human body was investigated earlier by British specialists who concluded that the substances contained in cocoa beans could affect the circulation of blood.
Early studies of British scientists have shown that flavonoids (substances of the class of polyphenols - natural plant antioxidants) favorably affect the brain's ability to work and memory. Among the natural sources of flavonoids, experts distinguish green tea, dark beers, citrus fruits and, of course, cocoa beans.
At the beginning of the experiment, scientists, using magnetic resonance tomography, determined circulatory disorders in 17 people out of 60. After the experiment was completed, repeated tests were performed, which showed that 85% of volunteer participants had improved blood flow to the brain. Changes mainly concerned those people who initially had problems with blood circulation, as among healthy people, improvements were seen in only 37%.
Scientists from Harvard commented on the results of the study as follows: "At the moment, modern medicine needs new information about the possible effect of blood circulation on the brain's ability to work and on the preservation of memory in the elderly"
The leader of the experiment is sure that the results of the research have proved the fact that foods rich in natural antioxidants can influence the work of the cardiovascular system and the blood supply to the brain, which in turn is responsible for the preservation of memory and clear thinking. Of course, it is too early to say that with the help of cocoa you can cure the existing diseases associated with blood circulation. According to scientists, more than one experiment is worthwhile to determine what substances and in what quantities it is worth using to the elderly in order to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, acquired dementia, loss of memory or circulatory disorders.
Problems with the cardiovascular system and blood circulation often become the root cause of many dangerous diseases, so at the moment scientists are engaged in research of possible preventive means.
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