[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Chocolate tastes awesome and can boost your brain function!
It’s delicious. It’s nutritious. And it’s good for the brain! There is considerable scientific evidence that chocolate provides several benefits for mental and physical health. And it can also help to keep your brain healthy. The flavonoids present in cocoa have a positive effect on brain vascular function and cognitive performance.
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidant agents that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, when you consume chocolate, the body typically reacts by increasing blood flow to the brain. Good circulation is essential because it supplies your brain with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, crucial for proper brain function.
A recent study by the University of Illinois (US) found that healthy adults recovered faster from a mild vascular challenge and performed better on complex tests when they consumed cocoa flavanols beforehand.
Both short-term and long-term cocoa consumption may be helpful for the brain. A study by the University of Reading (UK) observed that young adults presented an improved memory and reaction time just two hours after consuming dark chocolate. Another study by the Columbia University (US) found that healthy older adults taking a cocoa supplement for three months presented better performance on memory tests.
Physical health
But it is not just the brain that benefits from the qualities of chocolate. Several studies show that the bioactive compounds in cocoa improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Researches also demonstrate that its abundant antioxidants help raise HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and protects against LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). And these can lead to several health benefits, including reducing stroke and heart disease risk, and preventing diabetes.
Mental health
Finally, chocolate is also good for mental health! Who never felt better after eating a piece of chocolate? The benefits were not simply due to the pleasure of its delicious taste. A study by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine (US) with over 13,000 adults found that those who ate dark chocolate were 70% less likely to report depression. The explanation lies in the nutrients commonly found in chocolate, such as caffeine and theobromine, which deliver rapid effects on energy and cognition, n-acylethanolamines, a fatty acid that has euphoric effects, and phenylethylamine, a compound that increases the release of dopamine (a neurotransmitter strongly associated with pleasure and reward).
The darker, the better
Ok, it is tasty and it is healthy – but that doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It’s still loaded with sugar, fat, and calories. Also, it doesn’t mean that all chocolates are the same. First, the darker the chocolate, the higher the cocoa concentration – and the higher the level of antioxidants. Also, there is a lot of variety between the brands available on the market. So you’d better keep your eye on the label if you want to be sure of its nutrients. Finally, it is good to keep in mind that it is best to consume in moderation despite its health benefits. After all, eating a candy bar a day is not going to do anybody any good.
by Chris Bueno
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