Happy Valentine’s Day from Diabetes Education Services! Enjoy something sweet.

No guilt required. Recent studies have shown dark chocolate has a positive impact on brain function. The study conducted by Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center found that dark chocolate, with a cacao concentration of at least 70%, reduced stress and inflammation, improved mood, memory, and immunity.

The health benefits from cacao  are determined by the large amount of flavanoids present. Flavanoids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory and to have antioxidant effects.  The study found that, “the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity, and other beneficial effects.

Another study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health in 2017 determined that “consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate lowered the risk of atrial fibrillation”.  Their research also concluded that dark chocolate prevents white blood cells from sticking to the walls of the arteries and can help loosen stiff arteries, thus decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis.

For more information on how dark chocolate can benefit you, visit Dark chocolate can lower stress and inflammation, and improve memory 

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