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Chocolate can support brain function; neuroscientist explains

Chocolate can prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms, increase libido and happiness, control mood, sleep and appetite… But it should be consumed in moderation.

Easter is approaching and in this period it is normal to increase the consumption of chocolate, but it is important to know the right amount and the best type of product to be consumed and, even more, knowing that its intake can profoundly affect areas of the brain in a positive way, but that exaggeration is not good for health.

According to the neuroscientist and biologist, the PhD Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrelachocolate can prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms, increase libido and happiness, control mood, sleep and appetite.

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF CHOCOLATE?

Agrela explains that the best chocolate to consume is half bitterabove 80% cocoa, and the ingestion of two squares in a day is enough, “preferably organic and unsweetened or sweetened with stevia or pure monk fruit”, starts the scientist. According to Agrela, “The cocoa in dark chocolate may decrease levels of inflammation in the body and help reduce the risk of certain neurodegenerative diseases”. Such consumption may help prevent cognitive decline in individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s, for example.

“In the case of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, flavonols, antioxidants found in certain plants, such as cocoa, stimulate the growth of new brain cells and prevent the death of existing cells. They increase the amount of blood present in the dentate gyrus, a specific area of ​​the hippocampus, a structure in the brain related to memory.”explained the expert.

OTHER BENEFITS OF BITTER CHOCOLATE FOR THE BODY

Other substances present in dark chocolates are L-arginine and zinc, they are libido boosters as they improve adrenal function supporting sexual desire. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which synthesizes serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness, controls mood, sleep and appetite.

“Chocolate can also awaken a feeling of well-being, thanks to anandamine, an essential omega 6 fatty acid. It is also a source of magnesium and helps reduce stress by suppressing the release of the stress hormone cortisol, increasing also the production of endorphins, a substance that brings a feeling of well being, since it is rich in tyrosine that stimulates the production not only of endorphins, but also of serotonin and dopamine”he added.

THE endorphinproduced in the pituitary gland, helps to alleviate pain, whether physical or emotional, but other factors must be taken into account, such as diet, physical exercise, good nights sleep, genetic condition and phenotypes.

Despite so many benefits, Rodrigues warns that chocolate is not a remedy for depression or anxiety, and just as a low intake can improve symptoms, consumption of higher levels can increase anxiety and in the long term be ineffective in preventing depression. .

And don’t forget: a whole bar of chocolate contains large amounts of fat and sugar, which can trigger problems such as diabetes, weight gain and its consequences.


About Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela

He is a PhD, neuroscientist, master in psychology, biologist, historian and anthropologist, in addition to having other backgrounds. In addition, he is a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the USA and of Redilat, a network of Latin American scientists, he is also a professor and scientist at Universidad Santander, Head of the Science and Technology Department at Logos University International, professor at the Escuela Europea de Negócios e from Udabol University of Medicine, a scientist at Martin Dockweiler Hospital.

Source: Recreio

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