Cacao is a natural product that can contribute to improving brain function. It affects the brain through the content of substances such as flavonoids, caffeine, theobromine, and magnesium.
Flavonoids in cacao
Flavonoids are substances with antioxidant activity that can help protect the brain against oxidative damage. Studies have shown that people who consume cacao rich in flavonoids perform better in tests measuring cognitive function.
One study conducted at the University of Reading showed that consuming flavonoid-rich cacao for 8 weeks improved cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, in older people.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16794461/
Cacao and stress and anxiety
Cacao can also help fight stress and anxiety. Flavonoids found in cacao are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that cacao can lower cortisol levels by up to 25%. Flavonoids can also improve blood flow in the brain, which can reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.
Sleep quality
Cacao can also improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Polyphenols in cacao promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm and helps to fall asleep faster. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have difficulty falling asleep at night or maintaining sleep throughout the night.
Brain oxygenation
Studies show that flavonoids found in cacao can increase blood flow to the brain and improve its ability to use oxygen. Brain oxygenation is essential for its proper functioning. In one study, participants who drank cocoa-based drinks had better memory than those who did not drink cocoa. Further studies have shown that people who regularly consume chocolate have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who do not consume chocolate regularly.
Magnesium in cacao
Cacao is also rich in magnesium, which is an important ingredient for brain function. Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis and nerve impulse transmission processes. Magnesium deficiency can lead to brain function disorders, such as memory and concentration problems.
Caffeine and theobromine in cacao
Cacao also contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants of the nervous system. Caffeine acts by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which leads to an increase in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
Theobromine, on the other hand, works more gently than caffeine but can also improve cognitive function.
Mood
Cacao is known for reducing the risk of depression and improving mood. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin (a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy).
Summary
In summary, cacao can have a beneficial effect on cognitive functions and emotional state. It contains flavonoids and other beneficial compounds that improve blood flow to the brain and increase the production of new neurons.
Cacao should be consumed in moderation to enjoy its beneficial properties for the brain.
We highly recommend our cacao, which you can find in the SHOP.
