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According to two new studies, dark chocolate with a high cocoa concentration may have a positive effect on stress levels, mood, memory and immunity.
Research from San Diego
The research points out that chocolate with at least 70% cocoa may support cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular health.
Lee Berk, principal investigator and researcher at Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Profession, said that participants received 48 grams of dark chocolate at the start of one experiment and then, while they were awake, ate a piece of dark chocolate every two hours. several days.
„Blood tests revealed that dark chocolate affected gene activity, increased anti-inflammatory factors,“ said Berk.
Further research by Berk’s team examined how the brain responded to dark chocolate consumption
Gamma waves of the electroencephalogram (EEG) suggest that dark chocolate may positively affect brain functions such as cognitive function and creativity, even two hours after eating.
These two studies included a total of 10 participants and the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Berk said the next step for his team will be to find out how much dark chocolate someone should eat to affect brain function. He admits that he eats it every day.
„The research was funded by the university and is not associated with any chocolate companies,“ Berk said.
