Research Shows Dark Chocolate Consumption Reduces Stress and Inflammation
BY Science Daily
New research shows there might be health benefits to eating certain types of dark chocolate.
Findings from two studies being presented today at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual
meeting in San Diego show that consuming dark chocolate that has a high concentration of
cacao (minimally 70% cacao, 30% organic cane sugar) has positive effects on stress levels,
inflammation, mood, memory and immunity.
While it is well known that cacao is a major source of flavonoids, this is the first time
the effect has been studied in human subjects to determine how it can support cognitive,
endocrine and cardiovascular health.
Lee S. Berk, DrPH, associate dean of research affairs, School of Allied Health Professions
and a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science from Loma Linda University,
served as principal investigator on both studies.
�For years, we have looked at the influence of dark chocolate on neurological functions
from the standpoint of sugar content � the more sugar, the happier we are,� Berk said.
�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 flavonoids found in cacao are extremely potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
agents, with known mechanisms beneficial for brain and cardiovascular health.
The following results will be presented in live poster sessions during the Experimental
Biology 2018 meeting:
Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Affects Human Gene Expression: Cacao Regulates Cellular Immune
Response, Neural Signaling, and Sensory Perception
This pilot feasibility experimental trial examined the impact of 70 percent cacao chocolate
consumption on human immune and dendritic cell gene expression, with focus on pro- and
anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Study findings show cacao consumption up-regulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways
involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response and genes involved in neural signaling
and sensory perception � the latter potentially associated with the phenomena of brain hyperplasticity.
Dark Chocolate (70% Organic Cacao) Increases Acute and Chronic EEG Power Spectral Density
(�v2) Response of Gamma Frequency (25-40Hz) for Brain Health: Enhancement of Neuroplasticity,
Neural Synchrony, Cognitive Processing, Learning, Memory, Recall, and Mindfulness Meditation
This study assessed the electroencephalography (EEG) response to consuming 48 g of dark chocolate
(70% cacao) after an acute period of time (30 mins) and after a chronic period of time
(120 mins), on modulating brain frequencies 0-40Hz, specifically beneficial gamma frequency
(25-40Hz).
Findings show that this superfood of 70 percent cacao enhances neuroplasticity for behavioral
and brain health benefits.
Berk said the studies require further investigation, specifically to determine the significance
of these effects for immune cells and the brain in larger study populations.
Further research is in progress to elaborate on the mechanisms that may be involved in
the cause-and-effect brain-behavior relationship with cacao at this high concentration.
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