A new study conducted by Harvard University found that drinking just two cups of hot chocolate a day for 30 days brought about better blood circulation in the brain and higher scores at memory and cognitive test for mature people. Researchers found that memory and blood flow to the brain have a 'neurological and vascular connection".
"We are learning more and more about the blood flow to the brain and its influence on cognitive thinking skills," says Dr. Sorond Farzaneh, of the Medical faculty. "When different areas in the brain need more energy to complete tasks, they need more blood. This relationship plays a very important role in various diseases and symptoms like Alzheimer's.
The study was publish in the 'Neurology' journal and included about 60 people of ages 65 and up. Out of these, 18 had bad blood flow. Half of the participants drank hot cocoa rich with antioxidants, while the other half drank hot chocolate that is not particularly rich in antioxidants. However, after a month (in which the participants were not allowed to consume chocolate), those with bad blood flow experienced an 8.3% improvement in their blood flow (a big number when we're talking about health), with both types of coco having the same effect.
"From a medical standpoint," wrote the researchers, "the effect of hot chocolate on the blood vessels doesn't seem to be connected to antioxidants."
Now, of course hot chocolate is not the only food to give your brain a push, but it's always good to add something sweet to the menu that actually helps!
|
Doctor's Advice: The Truth About Calcium Supplements
Discover the truth about calcium supplements and if they are safe to use.
What You Should Drink After a Meal for Better Digestion
What should we drink after a meal for better digestion?
This Diet Slows Down Hearing Loss
Certain diets can preserve and maintain good hearing while slowing hear loss.
Tasty and Healthy: 15 Herbs That Improve Brain Function
What's common among all the following plants is that each can improve the function of the most important organ in your body - the brain.
Microbiome Expert: Eat This to Heal Your Gut
This pivotal work outlines the detrimental shifts within our gut health and provides a precise, practical blueprint for rejuvenation and weight loss.
10 Best Foods to Increase Your Brain Power and Memory
These next 10 foods will help with improving your cognitive abilities, especially your memory.
9 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin From the Sun
These 9 foods each contributes something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Doing This for 5 Minutes Can Lower Your Blood Pressure!
These simple and effective exercises will help lower your blood pressure almost immediately.
This Little Piece of Plastic Does Wonders For Your Feet
As we age, our toes tend to cram together. Spacing them promotes blood flow and prevents pain!
The "Longevity Vitamin": Where Can You Get Some?
Watch the video to understand all about Ergothioneine, and why it's referred to as the "longevity vitamin".
11 Warning Signs of a Nutrient or Vitamin Deficiency
You might not be getting enough nutrients, and you don't even know it. Watch out for these signs!
The Hidden Benefits of Nasal Breathing No One Told You
Discover the benefits of nasal breathing during sleep and exercise in this informative video.
Chair Yoga: a Complete At Home Video Practice
This is a complete 17-minute beginner friendly yoga sequence suitable for all ages you can do on your chair.
How to Release a Tight Lower Back in Less Than a MINUTE
If you get a tight back often, try this series of exercises for instant relief.
If Your Feet Hurt, Then You Should Really Try This...
Want to banish plantar fasciitis for good? Here are some exercises that you simply must try!
Not What You Though - How Healthy Skin REALLY Looks Like
Short, concise, and straight to the point - here are 5 skin health myths busted with clear scientific explanations.
What Causes Constipation? Find Out Here...
What's behind constipation? This informative TED-Ed video sheds some light on the matter!
20+ Surprising Things About Your Skin You Never Knew!
Watch dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah answer some important questions about skin and dermatology.
Don’t Believe These Lies: 12 Popular Egg Myths Busted
For the sake of french toast and sunny side up eggs for breakfast, we decided to bust 12 harmful and simply untrue beliefs about eggs
Doctors Explain: 2 Powerful Tools in Dealing With Anxiety
A renowned doctor equips you with not one, but two phenomenal tools to effectively manage and control your stress.
The Secrets to Getting More Oxygen in Your Cells
The best (and easiest) exercises for better breathing.
Discover What Really Causes Kidney Stones In This Video
Kidney stones can be an incredibly painful affliction, often leading to surgery in order for them to be removed from the body. Find out what causes them here.
Massage These 3 Points if You Have High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure is caused by a variety of things, its most common cause is hypertension. Reduce your high blood pressure by using the ancient technique of acupressure.
Prevent Alzheimer’s by Using These Expert Techniques
Listen to this expert's views on techniques that the elderly can use to enhance their brain's health.
Constantly Clearing Your Throat? Try These Remedies
Frustrated with constant throat clearing? Try these remedies.
The Symptoms of a Fatty Liver and How to Treat it!
Fatty deposits on your liver can seriously hinder its function. In this video, Dr. Berg explains the symptoms of a fatty liver and how to treat it.
Having Leg Cramps at Night? Then You Need to Know This
Night leg cramps beyond annoying: they can interfere with sleep and life quality. Here's everything you need to know about night leg cramps.
Study: Can Our Sense of Time Heal Us Faster?
A recent groundbreaking study delves into how our perception of time can significantly impact the physical process of healing.
Shocking! This Is What Chocolate Does to Your Arteries...
Can chocolate cause strokes? Find out in this informative video from Dr. Greger.
You Are What You Eat: How Foods You Eat Affect Your Mood
In recent years we discovered how incredibly important a good diet is in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Here's how it works.
Relieve Pain in the Feet and Heels in Just a Few Minutes!
Do you experience frequent pain at the bottom of the feet? If so, check out these simple exercises for instant relief!
A Lack of Sleep Can Cause These Detrimental Effects
We all know sleep is important. But what ACTUALLY happens in the body when we don't sleep?
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
Tutorial: Relieve a Stiff Neck Naturally in Just 90 Seconds!
Take a look at several great stretches that you can try that will alleviate a stiff neck.
This Amazing Nutritional Plan Does Wonders For Your Health
The "daily dozen" nutritional plan was designed for people to follow should they wish to stay in optimal health. Learn more!
The Truth About the Medical Secrets of Amazon Tribes...
Mark Plotkin spent years among the tribes of the Amazon and he has some fascinating secrets to share.
WATCH: What Causes Floaters in Your Eyes?
We can often see things floating around our field of vision, but what are they? This science video explains all.
Unusual Signs of Vitamin B3 Deficiency You Mustn't Ignore
You may not realize you have Vitamin B3 deficiency!
Remove Age Spots Easily with Two Simple Ingredients...
Got age spots? Here's how to remove them easily.
What Drinking Whiskey Actually Does to Your Body
While we now know that whiskey isn't the cure-all medicine people once though it was, it does have a few proven health benefits.
Learn Three Vagus Nerve Exercises for Anxiety Relief
In this video, you'll be shown three exercises of the vagus nerve to help mitigate anxiety and promote peacefulness.
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
12 Superfoods That Burn the Fat Off Your Diet!
These great superfoods should be part of everyone's meal!
Difficulty Sleeping? Try This Healthy Drink Before Bed
Struggling with sleep? This natural drink can help.
What Happens When You Quit Sugar? You'll Be Surprised!
What happens to your body when you quit sugar? Find out!
The MAIN Differences Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Both cod liver and fish oils are healthy options. But which one is more suitable for your body?
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.