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!
|
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.
What to Eat to Prevent a Stroke
In this video, a doctor will explain how best to eat to minimize your chances of a stroke.
ARFID: An Undiagnosed Eating Disorder?
In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years.
Doctor's Advice: The Truth About Calcium Supplements
Discover the truth about calcium supplements and if they are safe to use.
10 Super Foods That Will Protect and Boost Your Brain Power
These 10 super foods can help fight off mental illnesses, increase memory skills and keep your brain healthy for the rest of your life.
Need More Iron? Here's How to Get More the Natural Way
Iron is something we all need in our diet. However, supplements are never as good as the real thing. Here are 9 great natural sources of iron.
Looking at Caffeine, Shampoo and Rosemary for Hair Growth
Looking at the real research done behind these ingredients helps us see which really help and which still needs more research to know if they are effective on humans.
Struggling With Obesity? These Exercises Can Help a Lot
Struggling with obesity? Doing these exercises can change your life for the better.
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Who's Most At Risk of Colon Cancer? Find Out Here!
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer and deaths in the world. So who’s most at risk? How can it be screened? Find out here!
The Shocking Truth About Eggs and Heart Disease
What exactly do eggs do to our arteries? Find out the truth.
Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin with These 5 Exercises
These 5 exercises will help give your chin a tighter, younger, and healthier look, and eventually to help you get rid of a double chin all together.
Dissolve Blood Clots from Your Body With These Vitamins
Untreated blood clots can lead to life threatening complications. Here are some vitamins that can help dissolve them safely.
What You Should Drink After a Meal for Better Digestion
What should we drink after a meal for better digestion?
How to Increase the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
How can we make sure we're getting enough oxygen in our breathing? This video will make sure you know how.
In an Emergency, It's Crucial to Know Some CPR...
This guide will take you through the information you need to know to perform CPR. Let's hope you never need to use it.
ARFID: An Undiagnosed Eating Disorder?
In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years.
5 Common Myths About Sugar We Must Stop Believing
In this video, we discover the truth behind 5 of the most common myths about sugar.
How Much Fruit is TOO Much for Your Health?
Fruits are healthy, but is there a thing as eating too much of them? Watch out for these signs.
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!
12 Superfoods That Burn the Fat Off Your Diet!
These great superfoods should be part of everyone's meal!
Full Documentary: What Does It Mean to Be Morbidly Obese?
Looking into the life of an obese person from both a medical and psychological point of view, this video isn't one to miss!
Can Exercise Really Stop Heart Attacks?
Find out some of the best ways to prevent and reduce a risk of having a heart attack.
This Doctor Tried the Keto Diet and This is What He Thinks
Curious to try the KETO Diet? Listen to what a doctor has to say first.
Discover What Happens In Your Body When You Have a Fever
Have you ever wondered exactly why does our body produce a fever? Find out more in this video.
Sit Like This at the Computer to Avoid Backache
This brilliant video shows you how you can avoid back pain when sitting at your computer.
Are You at Risk for "Building Sickness"?
Have you heard of "building sickness"? Because you may have had it.
Does Our Stomach SHRINK When We Eat Less? Our Answer
Eat less, and your stomach will shrink over time.. is that the truth?
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.
If You Eat These 9 Fish Regularly, You Should Stop!
We are always told how fish is healthy, but there are actually some types of fish that'll do more harm than good. Here are nine of them!
The Truth Behind the Most Popular Types of Diets
There are a lot of popular diets out there. But which one works the best?
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!
The Amazing Anti-Diabetic Tea You Never Knew About
Looking for a natural way to lower your blood sugar levels? Try this wonderful tea recipe.
The Surprising Reason Keeping Secrets Could Damage Health
Keeping secrets takes its toll on your mental health in multiple ways. Here's how to cope with that.
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.
10 Most Frequent Misdiagnoses Made by Doctors
In the US, 1 out of every 20 adults are misdiagnosed. Here are 10 conditions that are commonly missed or mistaken for something else!
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
9 Ways You Can Treat Fungal Infections at Home
If you suffer from some of these symptoms, there are a number of home remedies that can easily treat fungal infections.
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
6 NATURAL Ways to Treat Swollen Feet & Ankles
Swelling in your feet and ankles can lead to a variety of complications. Here’s how you can get rid of the naturally.
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.
Here's a Fast Technique to Put You to Sleep In 1 Minute
Struggling to fall asleep at night? Here’s a super exercise that might make you doze off in just 60 seconds.
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
The MOST Important Exercise to Practice For Seniors
This video will walk you through one simple exercise recommended daily for older adults.
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.
Gasp! 17 Surprising Facts About Your Lungs You Never Knew
Watch pulmonologist Dr. Ravi Kalhan answer some really interesting questions about our lungs.
9 Effective Treatments for Stiff and Sore Muscles
Have you ever woken up in the morning and stretched only to feel neck or shoulder pain? here's how you treat and prevent it.