If you're a chocoholic, you're going to love this. In the past couple of weeks, chocolate's gotten several boosts to its reputation.
According to New York Daily News, scientists recently found that drinking cocoa can improve attention and other cognitive function in older adults. The research revealed that seniors who ingested drinks with medium or high levels of flavanols, a type of antioxidant, performed better on mental skill tests than those who drank only low amounts. Who knew a chocolaty treat could help your mind perform better?
Furthermore, there's new evidence for claims that chocolate can be heart-healthy. A case published in the Cochrane Library found that "consuming flavanol-containing chocolate or cocoa powder was linked with, on average, a decreased blood pressure of 2 to 3 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)," reports the Huffington Post. The research echoes findings from a piece published in the British Medical Journal earlier this year.
Finally, a study in Sweden found that participants who ate about a bar of chocolate a week were "17% less likely to have a stroke" than those who ate none. According to the BBC, the benefits are again believed to be tied to the flavonoids that are found in chocolate.
As you can see, the cocoa confection may offer multiple health benefits -- in moderation. Indeed, most researchers agree: "It should be consumed in moderation." So if you're planning a health fair or wellness event, don't hesitate to serve up small amounts of promotional chocolate!
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