How cocoa can help reduce stress-induced cravings and improve health
Siddhartha Jana
According to a study published in the Food & Function journal, cocoa helps lessen cravings brought on by stress, preventing binge eating of processed, unhealthy foods.
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Foods heavy in flavonoids, such as cocoa, may shield the vascular system from the damaging effects of high-fat snacks when stress is high.
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Flavanols, antioxidants, and magnesium found in cocoa help shield blood vessels from the damaging effects of eating too much fat.
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Theobromine, a mild stimulant that helps combat stress-induced cravings, and anandamide, a joy chemical that produces euphoria, are both found in cocoa.
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Cocoa also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, enhances cognitive function, and lessens inflammation.
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4-6 teaspoons of cocoa per day is the ideal quantity for health benefits, and it can be added to smoothies, hot chocolate, or baked products.
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Due to possible adverse effects on blood circulation, pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester, should refrain from consuming chocolate, cocoa, or cacao.