Cocoa, an essential component of the food we consume daily in the form of chocolate, goes far beyond its flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
One of the benefits most prominent cocoa is its ability to improve cardiovascular health
According to a series of studies published in great prestigious magazines such as Nutrients, Archives of Internal Medicine, JAMA y The Journal of Nutritionit has been found that cocoa has a favorable impact on the reduction of the blood pressure and the improvement of cardiovascular function in general.
In a job published in Archives of Internal Medicineit is mentioned that the flavonoid present in cocoa, in particular the epicatequÃnthey have the ability to increase the production of Nitric oxide (No) in the body.
Nitric oxide is a compound Vasodilator that contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure.
According to studies, regular cocoa consumption can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduces the risk of diseases such as hypertensionwhich are key factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
This study details that cocoa has also shown to have positive effects on improving sensitivity to insulin, A fundamental factor in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
In addition, it has been observed that cocoa can have an impact on the reduction of levels of Bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL), which further contributes to cardiovascular health by decreasing the risk of Atherosclerosis and other disorders related to cholesterol.
Cocoa has proven to have a positive impact on the cognitive function
In a study published in Hypertensionit was observed that cocoa consumption can also improve cognitive capacityparticularly in older adults.
This study suggests that cocoa flavonoids, due to their antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties, are able to improve brain circulationallowing greater oxygenation and better performance in complex cognitive tasks.
This benefit is especially relevant in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimersince improvement in brain circulation can help reduce the risk of neuronal damage
Previous research, such as those carried out in the University of Birmingham and published in Scientific Reportsthey have shown that cocoa consumption rich in flavonoids improves memory work and mental agility, in addition to increasing brain oxygenation In young adults, which further reinforces their role in improving cognitive performance in different stages of life.
Along the same lines, a study published by the Cambridge Universityafter more than ten years of research on the antioxidant effects of cocoa, it supports the idea that the flavonoids contained in this food have the ability to improve the antioxidant status of the organism, reduce the inflammation and correlate with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The study, which makes a critical review of clinical trials, studies in animals and in vitro analysis, emphasizes that epicatech is probably the main responsible for the beneficial effects of cocoa on health.
The Cambridge University It also emphasizes that cocoa can perform a role in improving the endothelial function, the reduction of oxidation of LDL and the decrease in platelet aggregationall of which contributes to a healthier cardiovascular profile.
The need for long -term studies to validate these effects on time sustained in time and with standardized composition products is also mentioned.
Cocoa has also been subject to research that shows its positive effects on the health of the fur.
According to a study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologycocoa flavonoids can protect the skin from the harmful effects of Ultraviolet radiation (UV), a key factor in the aging premature skin and in the development of skin cancers.
This study found that cocoa consumption can reduce the damage caused by sun exposure to neutralizing free radicals generated by UV radiation.
Cocoa flavonoids act as antioxidants, protecting skin cells against DNA damage and reducing skin inflammation.
In relation to anti-aging effects, various studies have shown that cocoa also plays an important role in improving strength and functional capacity in the elderly population.
A study conducted and published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A Document that cocoa consumption can help fight sarcopeniaa condition characterized by the loss of muscular time, which is common in older people.
Sarcopenia increases the risk of falls, fractures y loss of independenceand is associated with greater mortality in older adults.
According to this study, cocoa consumption not only helps improve muscle mass, but also strength, which contributes to a better Functional capacity Already greater physical independence in old age.
In addition, participants in this study showed improvements in the Mobility testssuch as the six -minute marching test and the grip force test, indicating that cocoa has a positive impact on the prevention of fragility on the elderly.
In addition to its effects on muscle function, cocoa also has a positive impact on the quality of life on the elderly, which has been supported by studies that show that cocoa intake improves various indicators of the quality of life, such as the perception of mobility and pain relief.
This improvement in the quality of life was accompanied by a decrease in systemic inflammation levels, which reinforces the concept that cocoa not only has direct effects on physical health, but can also influence the general well -being of older people.
In addition, studies suggest that cocoa can have effects similar to those of a training program physical, improving exercise capacity and stimulating biogenesis Mitochondrial in skeletal muscles, which contributes to better general health and greater functional capacity.
Cocoa, therefore, emerges as a superfood that not only benefits the cardiovascular and metabolic system, but also has a positive impact on cognitive functionskin and muscle mass, especially in the elderly population.
Related news :