Caffeine, which is commonly found in coffee, tea and chocolate, is a central nervous system stimulant that is associated with increasing energy and alertness. Apart from these benefits, moderate caffeine consumption might have beneficial effects on brain function. Evidence also indicates chocolate may help ease the pain of migraines.
Caffeine May Slow Alzheimer's Disease
Caffeine intake might slow Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia that causes progressive mental deterioration. In research reported in the May 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," researchers reviewed studies on the relationship between caffeine intake and Alzheimer's. They concluded caffeine might protect against the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease patients. Furthermore, caffeine was shown to have positive effects on restoring cognitive function.
Caffeine May Protect Memory
Dr. Karen Ritchie and colleagues from the National Institute for Health and Medical Research in France investigated the impact of caffeine consumption on memory in men and women. They discovered that women who drank three cups of coffee or more per day were less likely to show memory decline than those who drank one cup or less a day. However, caffeine showed no benefits on memory in men. Researchers are unsure why caffeine protects memory in women but not men, according to findings published in the August 2007 issue of the journal "American Academy of Neurology."
Chocolate May Alleviate Migraines
Chocolate may ease migraines, which are severe headaches caused by abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Researchers from Missouri State University examined the effects of cocoa on inflammatory responses in the brain associated with migraines. Rats were fed a diet with or without cocoa and then were given a compound to cause an inflammatory response. At the end of the study, scientists observed that the cocoa-rich diet suppressed increases in inflammatory proteins in the brain such as MAP kinases, according to the NUTRAingredients website.
Member Comments