Can Chocolate Boost Memory?

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 189

Tuesday, June 10th

I have reported in the past about the health benefits of moderate chocolate consumption including the potential to lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate is also a rich source of both antioxidants and phytochemicals. Is it possible that chocolate's rich source of antioxidants can boost your brain power and lower blood pressure?

A recent article in Nutrition Action Healthletter reported that dark chocolate may not pack a powerful health punch. Researchers gave 100 healthy men and women over age 60 about 1.3 ounces of chocolate plus a cup of cocoa or placebos everyday. The control group had bars and cocoa that lacked the phytochemicals found in dark chocolate and cocoa. After six weeks of chocolate consumption, there was no difference in the chocolate eating versus non-chocolate eating groups when it came to an extensive memory recall test. Additionally, there was no evidence that chocolate lowered LDL (or bad) cholesterol which contradicts most of the previous research.

The bottom line is to enjoy chocolate in moderation, but don't think of it as health food. Try to ignore the chocolate marketer's claims that chocolate is loaded with healthy benefits.

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