Get ready to embrace your sweet tooth and celebrate!
What is cognitive decline?
Cognitive abilities are the brain-based skills we need to carry out even the simplest tasks from the day we’re born.
They have a crucial role in our lives, from remembering our first puppy’s name to solving a complicated calculus problem.
Now, imagine a scenario where these mental faculties start to wear down, not so fun, right?
That’s precisely what cognitive decline is all about!
Cognitive decline is like a sneaky ninja that affects your brain’s prowess.
As menacing as it sounds, it’s a natural process linked with aging.
However, it doesn’t mean that every individual will experience it in the same way or at the same pace – oh no!
There’s a wide spectrum of cognitive decline ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe forms of dementia.
The most common symptoms?
Forgetfulness, confusion, reduced concentration and difficulty learning new things – just like when you can’t remember where you kept your keys or how to use your new smartphone.
This will leave you shocked…
Eating chocolate, specifically cocoa extract, could potentially reduce the chance of cognitive decline linked to dementia in adults.
The surprising revelation was confirmed in a recently concluded study funded by the National Institutes of Health.
But let’s start off by mentioning some of the benefits that come with eating cocoa extract.
Our heart, that tireless little muscle that works day and night to keep us alive, loves cocoa as it helps improve blood flow to the brain and heart and makes blood platelets less sticky and able to clot.
Basically, it’s like giving your heart a relaxing spa day.
Secondly, cocoa has been found to be quite the smarty pants.
It’s packed with brain-boosting compounds like caffeine and theobromine, which can perk up your brain faster than you can say, “I need coffee.”
So next time you’re pulling an all-nighter for that big exam or work presentation, ditch the energy drinks and reach for a hot cup of cocoa instead.
Now, let’s talk about something we all dread – aging.
While cocoa can’t promise eternal youth (we’re still searching for that elusive fountain), it contains antioxidants that protect our cells from premature oxidation.
Sort of like a rust-proof coating for your insides.
So not only does it keep those wrinkles at bay, but also keeps our organs healthy and happy.
Now, isn’t that just the perfect excuse we’ve all been looking for to indulge in our favorite treat guilt-free?
Did somebody say chocolate?
A new comprehensive study focused on the effects of the cocoa extract on cognitive decline in adults.
With dementia being a significant concern worldwide, any potential solution or preventive measure was worth exploring.
And what could be more exciting than the possibility that the answer lies in something as delicious and loved as chocolate?
Research has shown that cocoa is rich in flavanols, compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties are thought to be beneficial for brain health, potentially helping to slow down or prevent cognitive decline.
The NIH-funded study delved deeper into this theory, exploring how daily consumption of cocoa extract could impact adults’ cognitive abilities.
The results? Excitingly promising, apparently.
The study indicated that adults who regularly consumed cocoa extract showed a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who did not.
In other words, your favorite chocolate treat could potentially help keep your mind sharp and healthy!
In addition to the potential cognitive benefits, cocoa consumption has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health.
So not only could your chocolate habit help keep your mind sharp, but it might also contribute to a healthier heart!
So, let’s raise a bar (or two) of our beloved chocolate to toast this promising study.
It’s not every day that we find out our guilty pleasures might actually have significant health benefits.
But remember, moderation is still key, even with this intriguing research.
While we now have an excellent reason to enjoy our chocolate treats, it’s important to eat responsibly.
So, what are you waiting for… get to eating!