Findings from two new studies presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual conference in San Diego shows that consumption of dark chocolate has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity. Cacao is known as a major source of flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants.
Lee S. Berk, PHd, from Loma Linda University, principal investigator on both studies says, “This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and are encouraged by the findings. These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.” The studies were entitiled, Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Affects Human Gene Expression: Cacao Regulates Cellular Immune Response, Neural Signaling, and Sensory Perception and, Dark Chocolate (70% Organic Cacao) Increases Acute and Chronic EEG Power Spectral Density (μv2) Response of Gamma Frequency (25-40Hz) for Brain Health: Enhancement of Neuroplasticity, Neural Synchrony, Cognitive Processing, Learning, Memory, Recall, and Mindfulness Meditation.
Dr Berk indicates that there is a need for more studies to elucidate how to put this information to best practical use.