Hot Cocoa for Your Brain Fog

Did you know that eating chocolate can improve your heart’s function as well as lower your blood pressure? Dark chocolate, in particular, contains epicatechin—a strong antioxidant that also prevents cholesterol buildup in our blood vessels. Thus, eating chocolate can make your blood circulation better, enhance blood flow and improve your circulatory and cardiovascular systems.

Drinking hot cocoa can also contribute to your well-being. It can give your brain a boost and clear the fog. Research shows that a couple of servings promote blood circulation in the brain. This cold-weather beverage also helps reduce the risk of dementia.

Our blood vessels act as pathways through which the nutrients in our food and drink traverse. Our muscles organs and brain receive their daily ration of oxygen, vitamin, minerals and other nutrients through these tiny superhighways. But our blood vessels work best if they are relaxed and wide enough for oxygen and nutrients to pass through; otherwise, the intended recipients of these nutrients won’t get their sufficient supply.

That’s where the epicatechin content in hot cocoa comes in. This chemical substance relaxes and dilates blood vessels while increasing the blood flow.

In one study, researchers found that drinking hot cocoa every day helps improve blood circulation to the brain by 10 percent. In addition, those who included cocoa in their daily diet have lower risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

So the next time you want a brain boost, just indulge in this hot chocolate drink and activate those brain cells.