Tuesday, April 2, 2024 – A chemical found in chocolate called theobromine has many benefits for the body and the brain.
According to a study from Zhengzhou
University in China published April 1 in the Journal of Functional Foods,
Theobromine found in cocoa beans, is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants
and can protect the brain from Alzheimer’s.
Scientists also say that theobromine can
counter the impact of high cholesterol levels on memory and cognitive function.
Theobromine can cross the blood-brain
function to potentially boost brain function as well as mood and fight against
depression.
“Theobromine has demonstrated
neuroprotective properties, the ability to prevent neuronal damage, and
enhancements in motor memory and cognitive regulatory functions,” the study
authors wrote.
“Given its low incidence of side effects
and minimal harm to the human body at appropriate doses, theobromine and its
derivatives show promise as effective agents for preventing brain-related
disorders, presenting significant prospects in the medical fñield,” they
continued.In essence the study says that eating chocolate could also help
someone lose weight because theobromine helps the body break down fats.
The authors referenced another study that
found a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity.
“In a study by Dan Wei et al., the effects
of theobromine on an NAFLD mouse model were examined, revealing that
theobromine led to reductions in body weight, liver weight, and improvements in
liver morphology,” they explained.
“Inflammation is a multifaceted process
that engages white blood cells and the release of chemicals into the
bloodstream or affected tissues to combat foreign invaders,” they explained.
“Theobromine demonstrates anti-inflammatory
effects on diverse cell types, including macrophages and chondrocytes.”
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