5 Proven Brain Benefits of Chocolate

What are the brain benefits of chocolate?

1. Makes you happy
2. Boosts learning, memory, and focus
3. Helps relieve stress
4. Makes you smarter in the long run
5. Helps with long-term protection

Good news for all the chocolate drink lovers out there: it’s good for your brain! If you needed a reason to indulge in your favorite treat, this is a reason as good as any. Despite being known as a guilty pleasure for many, chocolate is actually packed with all kinds of nutrients that are a source of many health benefits. Many studies show that there are several brain benefits of chocolate. Read on to find out what they are!

Makes you happy

While the experience of having some chocolate is delightful enough in itself, it does more good for your mood than you think.

Chocolate is a good source of several chemicals, such as tryptophan. This chemical triggers serotonin production, which is in charge of moods and happiness. Chocolate also contains chemicals such as phenylethylamine and theobromine. These chemicals are associated with positive feelings like contentment and pleasure.

Chocolate also jumpstarts the production of another chemical known as endorphins. Also known as a “feel-good” chemical, endorphins trigger positive feelings often described as “euphoric”. Endorphins also reduce feelings of pain and stress.

More than that, chocolate also helps with the production of anandamide. This is known as the “bliss molecule.” Our brain uses anandamide to release dopamine in small amounts, giving us that feeling of bliss as we enjoy chocolate. 

Boosts learning, memory, and focus

The compounds in chocolate can enter your brain. When they do, they tend to gather in specific brain regions, namely those involved in learning, memory, and focus. The flavonoids in chocolate then promote the formation of new neurons, support their function, and protect them from damage. The result is a significant boost in your memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills!

This effect is enhanced even more by chocolate’s ability to promote blood flow toward your brain. What’s more is chocolate contains caffeine, which is a known brain booster. Consuming chocolate can help further improve your mental performance. 

Helps relieve stress

Chocolate contains all kinds of nutrients, but one of the most important ones is magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays many roles in your overall health. Its top benefit for your brain is that it helps reduce your stress and anxiety.

Magnesium does this by inhibiting your brain’s production of the hormone cortisol. This is known as a stress hormone. So, eating some chocolate can not only make you feel happier but also less stressed! 

Makes you smarter in the long run

While chocolate elevates your mood and sharpens your focus, it is also a secret weapon for boosting your brainpower. With its numerous components supporting optimal brain function,  chocolate consumption can enhance your cognitive abilities over time. Regular consumption of chocolate contributes to the continuous improvement of brain capabilities that results in an enhanced level of intelligence that was previously beyond reach.

Also, scientific studies suggest that chocolate can augment brain plasticity, a key factor associated with increased intelligence, while also providing neuroprotective benefits. 

Helps with long-term protection

Eating chocolate and gaining a healthy dose of all its nutrients, biochemicals, and flavonoids has a lot of benefits for your brain in the long run – a proactive step towards protecting your long-term brain health. The rich cocoa in chocolates are packed with antioxidants, which helps protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Further studies have discussed that the flavonoids in chocolate may enhance brain plasticity, supporting the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. This is known to be important for learning and memory retention.

Key Takeaway

There are many brain benefits of chocolate that make it a great snack. That said, the best way to get such benefits is to choose the healthiest source of high-quality chocolate — such as Bona Vita’s 8-in-1 Choco! Not only does it provide all the benefits we mentioned, but also many other advantages to your health, thanks to its added organic ingredients of bacopa monnieri, guyabano, and more!