Antioxidants Addresses Memory Lapses- Reduced Attention Span and Problem Solving Difficulties...

Memory lapses; reduced attention span and problem solving difficulties all seem to be an accepted part of getting older. Do we have to take this lying down? Apparently not...

Scientific research appears to have identified the possibility that cocoa flavanols may be able to reduce these mental problems often associated with aging.

Preliminary animal studies have identified that oxidative stress and inflammation may be major contributors to behavioural problems and this decline of mental acuity. It has been well documented that as people age, the central nervous system becomes more vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress. And research has already pointed out that certain inflammatory reactions appear to play a role in the apparent impairment of working memory.

The oxidative stress is caused by the free radicals we have in our systems. They cause damage by oxidising our cells. And these destructive free radicals are created by the simple action of breathing and, in some cases, exposure to certain pollutants in the atmosphere.

The good news is scientific research evidence suggests it may be possible to delay, and in some instances even prevent, the onset of certain forms of cognitive (brain function) impairment, particularly those related to ageing, Because we have access to a natural combatant to these harmful free radicals; antioxidants.

Polyphenols and flavonoids are antioxidants, which are present in foods such as fruit, nuts,teas and especially in cocoa beans.

The Right Diet Helps Our Brain Functions...

Cognitive impairment and dementia have a multifactorial origin. Nutrition is thought to play a protective role against a loss in cognition performance. (The terms cognition and cognitive process apply to our internal mental processes, including memory, attention, perception, action, language, problem solving, mental imagery, and emotion.)

A cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy subjects aged 65-90 years. They had a diet rich in carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins (especially folates, and vitamin C and E) and minerals (especially zinc and iron) accompanied by a low intake of total and saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. The results showed an improved mental acuity.

Studies where people ingested antioxidants, especially polyphenols in the form of fruits, vegetables and cocoa, also exhibited a reduced level of oxidation damage, which in turn reduced the incidence of cognitive impairment (dysfunction).

While polyphenols have been shown to have numerous other health benefits, the possible role and benefits of antioxidants - and in particular of polyphenols or polyphenol-rich foods such as cocoa - and their impact on cognition is not yet fully understood.

However, the antioxidant properties of polyphenols have led some authors to propose that dietary supplementation of foods rich in polyphenols, such as those found in cocoa and cocoa products, may lead to both acute and chronic improvements in brain functions including attention span, learning, memory, planning, and problem solving. Other authors suggest that polyphenols may have additional neuroprotective actions.

Clinical and epidemiological evidence suggest that antioxidants play a role in the prevention of brain degradation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, until properly designed human trials have been carried out, the scientific data available is inconclusive, though promising.

It holds out the premise that chocolate containing higher levels of natural antioxidants is healthier and more beneficial to our mental processes. Dark chocolate is said to come within this category.

More Good News...

The cocoa bean contains cocoa-polyphenols which are more powerful. And, because of this, there are higher levels of antioxidants in chocolate than are found in red wine or green tea.

So you can enjoy your chocolate (in moderation) without feeling guilty.

2007 Julian Atkinson & Carol A E Bentley

Discover more about the health benefits of antioxidant-rich chocolate (milk and dark chocolate properties) at http://www.delvaux-acticoa.com

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