Studies show the benefits of eating chocolate by the elderly

Not a few of them woke up today worried about the transgressions committed at Easter, so we decided to help alleviate the guilt. If it is true that excessive consumption of sugar and other carbohydrates by the elderly can interfere with altered calcium absorption, predispose to diabetes or lead to a decompensation in metabolic control, then we already have, knowledge, that hyperglycemia (increased glucose) ) can be a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and its complications, in addition to an increased risk of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), we cannot fail to mention that chocolate can also be an important ally in the aging process.

Studies have proven that chocolate improves memory and thinking in the elderly, as its consumption directly affects the brain, strengthens neurons, facilitates blood flow in the brain and activates the cognitive system, which is often vulnerable in the elderly. Columbia University published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world’s most recognized scientific publications, that consumption of chocolate improves cognitive functions not only for individuals, but for the entire population. The presence of tryptophan in the composition of chocolate, as well as other antioxidants, has very beneficial properties for consumers.

The above study was based on the assumption that the number of Nobel laureates per capita should be reflected in the proportion of the population with high cognitive functions. So the researchers compared the national consumption of chocolate with the proportion of people who received a Nobel Prize. 23 countries were surveyed and the result showed, surprisingly, that there is a relationship between per capita consumption of chocolate and the number of winners, by 10 million, which, according to the researchers, will prove that the higher the per capita consumption of chocolate. Is the country’s consumption of chocolate, the higher the number of Nobel Prize winners. According to the researchers, to receive the new Nobel Prize, the consumption of 2 kilograms of chocolate per year is required, which is clearly not the only necessary condition for obtaining such high praise.

Another study, published by the prestigious scientific journal American Heart Association, concluded that seniors over the age of 70 can benefit from daily consumption of a 30-gram serving of chocolate with a high cocoa content, primarily with the aim of preventing disease. such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This fact is explained by the amount of antioxidants contained in cocoa.

Studies have also shown that flavonoids, which are found in higher amounts in dark chocolate, can have cardiovascular health benefits in older adults. This is caused by an improvement in arterial flow, with reduced platelet stickiness, which can lead to blood vessel blockages, and even lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, the so-called “bad” cholesterol. This condition reduces biochemical processes, associated with the reduction of other cardiovascular risk factors, to reduce the chance of thromboembolism.

The researchers also concluded that flavonoids help reduce the inflammatory process in the body. And there may even be a link, not yet fully understood, to its use to protect against cancer. In these areas, there is still much to be researched, but the vast majority of knowledge arising from the consumption of this delicious food influences its usefulness.

Regarding the benefits of using chocolate, Northwest University in Chicago presented a study in which it was concluded that the habit of drinking hot chocolate can help people over the age of 60 reduce the chances of developing some motor impairment. According to the researchers, this is because the use of chocolate helps with blood circulation and promotes improved motor skills.

If that’s not enough, in times of bad mood, chocolate can still help maintain a good mood. This happens because its use releases serotonin, known as the hormone of happiness, as it causes a feeling of well-being and joy.

But for those of you who got excited and were preparing to get your own chocolate bar, you should be careful, because not just any type of chocolate brings the mentioned benefits. We should ignore milk and white, giving preference to bitter milk, which contains at least 50% of the cocoa mass in their recipe, but mainly to those with more than 70% cocoa, and, of course, pay attention to the amount that should not exceed 30 grams.

We conclude that you, who have been severely affected by the spillage and abuse of chocolate that occurred at this Easter and in other situations, can fetch a little weight, but to maintain such an enriching ritual of exchanging eggs among family and friends, the energy and nutritional gain of chocolate, along with Combined with the immense pleasure it provides, it can bring some breaths to our consciences.

From now on, follow a little diet, a lot of physical activity and let’s wait for the next Easter to enjoy this delicious food.

We wish you all a nice week.