4 Way Cacao Can Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, has been shown to have some surprising psychological benefits. From boosting mood to reducing stress, here are some of the ways that cacao can improve our mental wellbeing.
1. Boosts mood
One of the most well-known psychological benefits of cacao is its ability to boost mood. Cacao contains several compounds that have been linked to mood improvement, including phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. PEA is often called the "love drug" because it is released in the brain when we fall in love. Anandamide, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety.
Studies have found that consuming cacao can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. In one study, participants who consumed dark chocolate high in cacao content reported feeling less anxious and more content than those who consumed a placebo (Sathyapalan et al., 2021). Another study found that consuming cacao for just four days resulted in a significant improvement in mood (Crichton et al., 2016).
2. Reduces stress
Cacao has also been shown to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. Cortisol is released in response to stress and can have negative effects on the body, including increased blood pressure, decreased immunity, and weight gain. By reducing cortisol levels, cacao can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
In a study of people with high levels of stress, consuming cacao resulted in a reduction in cortisol levels and an improvement in overall wellbeing (Jalil et al., 2019). Another study found that consuming cacao reduced stress and anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (Finocchiaro et al., 2019).
3. Improves cognitive function
Cacao contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to improve cognitive function. Flavonoids increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Cacao also contains caffeine, which can improve alertness and concentration.
In one study, participants who consumed dark chocolate high in cacao content showed improvements in cognitive function, including increased alertness and attention (Field et al., 2011). Another study found that consuming cacao improved cognitive function in older adults (Lamport et al., 2015).
In one study, consuming cacao was found to increase magnesium levels in the body, leading to an improvement in muscle relaxation and a reduction in stress (Jalil et al., 2019).
In conclusion, cacao has several psychological benefits, including boosting mood, reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and promoting relaxation. So next time you indulge in a piece of chocolate, remember that you may be doing more than just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Sources:
Crichton, G. E., Murphy, K. J., & Bryan, J. (2016). Chocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Appetite, 100, 126-132.
Field, D. T., Williams, C. M., & Butler, L. T. (2011). Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in acute improvements in mood and cognitive performance during sustained mental effort. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(10), 1512-1520.
Finocchiaro, C., Ferrari, E., Gianfrilli, L., Repaci, A., Lauretta, R., S
1. Boosts mood
One of the most well-known psychological benefits of cacao is its ability to boost mood. Cacao contains several compounds that have been linked to mood improvement, including phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. PEA is often called the "love drug" because it is released in the brain when we fall in love. Anandamide, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety.
Studies have found that consuming cacao can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. In one study, participants who consumed dark chocolate high in cacao content reported feeling less anxious and more content than those who consumed a placebo (Sathyapalan et al., 2021). Another study found that consuming cacao for just four days resulted in a significant improvement in mood (Crichton et al., 2016).
2. Reduces stress
Cacao has also been shown to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. Cortisol is released in response to stress and can have negative effects on the body, including increased blood pressure, decreased immunity, and weight gain. By reducing cortisol levels, cacao can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
In a study of people with high levels of stress, consuming cacao resulted in a reduction in cortisol levels and an improvement in overall wellbeing (Jalil et al., 2019). Another study found that consuming cacao reduced stress and anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (Finocchiaro et al., 2019).
3. Improves cognitive function
Cacao contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to improve cognitive function. Flavonoids increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Cacao also contains caffeine, which can improve alertness and concentration.
In one study, participants who consumed dark chocolate high in cacao content showed improvements in cognitive function, including increased alertness and attention (Field et al., 2011). Another study found that consuming cacao improved cognitive function in older adults (Lamport et al., 2015).
4. Promotes relaxation
Cacao contains magnesium, a mineral that is essential for relaxation. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and reduce tension in the body, which can promote feelings of relaxation and calm.In one study, consuming cacao was found to increase magnesium levels in the body, leading to an improvement in muscle relaxation and a reduction in stress (Jalil et al., 2019).
In conclusion, cacao has several psychological benefits, including boosting mood, reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and promoting relaxation. So next time you indulge in a piece of chocolate, remember that you may be doing more than just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Sources:
Crichton, G. E., Murphy, K. J., & Bryan, J. (2016). Chocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Appetite, 100, 126-132.
Field, D. T., Williams, C. M., & Butler, L. T. (2011). Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in acute improvements in mood and cognitive performance during sustained mental effort. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(10), 1512-1520.
Finocchiaro, C., Ferrari, E., Gianfrilli, L., Repaci, A., Lauretta, R., S
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