The bright side of dark chocolarte
8 October 2013
The bright side of dark chocolate
“A square of [dark] chocolate a day could keep the cardiologist away” (Dyer par.10). Chocolate, craved for its rich taste, can be used for more than just satisfying hunger or adding on a few extra pounds. Dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate contains a high concentration of flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) which has many health benefits to it. Studies have shown it can improve brain function by improving memory skills. Desserts are ancient remedies for stress and depression and recent research conducted shows that dark chocolate in fact does help reduce levels of stress and make you feel happier. Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate will not cause heart attacks, block arteries or cause heart diseases due to buildup of fat but instead will help reduce many cardiovascular problems. Eating dark chocolate is definitely a good way to keep our mind and body healthy.
Keeping our brain active and sharp is a very important part of our lives. Many experiments have shown that dark chocolate, which contains flavonoids can enhance the brain’s performance. An experiment was conducted in Italy by University of L 'Aquila on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment; an impairment which does not allow you to think clearly, concentrate or remember new information (Medalia, and Revheim, par.1). The experiment had shown results of improved verbal fluency in patients who were given more flavonoids and concluded that the regular consumption of flavonoids is effective at improving mild cognitive impairment (Desideri, Kwik-Uribe, Grassi, Necozione, Ghiadoni, Mastroiacovo, Raffaele, L. Ferri, Bocale, Lechiara, Marini, and C. Ferri par. 1). Another experiment conducted by Lee Fruson showed memory improvements in snails who were given dark chocolate and he also states that “half a bar of dark chocolate could even help your grades” (Wrenn par. 16). Both these studies show dark chocolates can sharpen our minds and
The bright side of dark chocolate
“A square of [dark] chocolate a day could keep the cardiologist away” (Dyer par.10). Chocolate, craved for its rich taste, can be used for more than just satisfying hunger or adding on a few extra pounds. Dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate contains a high concentration of flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) which has many health benefits to it. Studies have shown it can improve brain function by improving memory skills. Desserts are ancient remedies for stress and depression and recent research conducted shows that dark chocolate in fact does help reduce levels of stress and make you feel happier. Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate will not cause heart attacks, block arteries or cause heart diseases due to buildup of fat but instead will help reduce many cardiovascular problems. Eating dark chocolate is definitely a good way to keep our mind and body healthy.
Keeping our brain active and sharp is a very important part of our lives. Many experiments have shown that dark chocolate, which contains flavonoids can enhance the brain’s performance. An experiment was conducted in Italy by University of L 'Aquila on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment; an impairment which does not allow you to think clearly, concentrate or remember new information (Medalia, and Revheim, par.1). The experiment had shown results of improved verbal fluency in patients who were given more flavonoids and concluded that the regular consumption of flavonoids is effective at improving mild cognitive impairment (Desideri, Kwik-Uribe, Grassi, Necozione, Ghiadoni, Mastroiacovo, Raffaele, L. Ferri, Bocale, Lechiara, Marini, and C. Ferri par. 1). Another experiment conducted by Lee Fruson showed memory improvements in snails who were given dark chocolate and he also states that “half a bar of dark chocolate could even help your grades” (Wrenn par. 16). Both these studies show dark chocolates can sharpen our minds and
Cited: "Dark Chocolate Can Improve Length and Strength of Memories." Dark Chocolate Can Improve Length and Strength of Memories. News Medical, 28 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. Desideri, Giovambattista, Catherine Kwik-Uribe, Davide Grassi, Stefano Necozione, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Daniela Mastroiacovo, Angelo Raffaele, Livia Ferri, Raffaella Bocale, Maria Carmela Lechiara, Carmine Marini, and Claudio Ferri. "Blood Pressure and Aging." Hypertension. American Heart Association, Inc., 11 July 2012. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. Dyer, Kirsti A. "Chocolate: Good for the Mind, Body & Spirit." Medicalwellnessassociation.com. The Medical Wellness Association, 2006. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. Medalia, Alice, and Nadine Revheim. "Dealing with Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Psychiatric Disabilities." Www.omh.ny.gov/. Office of Mental Health, 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. Parnes, Robin. "ANTIOXIDANTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW." Discovery Fit and Health. Discovery Communications, LLC., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2013. Warner, Jennifer. "Dark Chocolate Takes Bite Out of Stress." WebMD. WebMD, 13 Nov. 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. Wrenn, Eddie. "Good News for Sweet Tooths: Chocolate Can Drastically Improve the Memory (...well, in Snails)." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers Ltd, 28 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Sept. 2013.