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                      Dark Chocolate Increases Attention

                      Published by Life Extension

                      As the afternoon sets in, many of us find it becomes increasingly difficult to concentrate and work attentively.

                      Can chocolate help? A new study suggests the answer is yes. Researchers found that eating dark chocolate may help to increase alertness.

                      The results of the study were published in the journal NeuroRegulation.

                      Chocolate + Theanine = A Winning Combo for Staying Alert

                      Previous studies show chocolate can change the chemical activity of our brains. It’s particularly known for raising dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with focus, pleasure, and motivation.

                      For the current study, researchers recruited 122 young adults between the age of 18 and 25. They were given 60% dark cocoa chocolate or one of the following five controls: low (0%) cacao chocolate, higher cacao chocolate + L-theanine, high sugar water, low sugar water, or water.

                      An EEG, a test which measures brain activity, was administered to assess levels of alertness while participants were undergoing mental activities. Blood pressure levels and mood were assessed prior to the experiment and 60 minutes afterwards.

                      According to the results of the study, eating the 60% chocolate heightened alertness and slightly increased blood pressure levels for a short period of time. Mood was not significantly affected.

                      One of the controls, a combination of chocolate and L-theanine (an amino acid from green tea) lowered blood pressure levels between four to eight points compared to the groups taking the dark chocolate.

                      The combination of L-theanine and chocolate may be a better choice than chocolate alone, since it prevented the blood pressure rise associated with chocolate consumption.

                      Previous research indicates that L-theanine increases the production of alpha waves, brain waves that promote alert relaxation.

                      More Tips on Avoiding the Afternoon Slump

                      If you’re a common prey to the afternoon slump, evaluate your sleeping or eating habits. Eating a heavy meal towards lunch or not getting a full 7-8 hours of sleep may hamper your ability to stay awake and attentive in the afternoon.

                      Avoiding sugar and consuming high protein snacks may help. The amino acids in protein are the precursors to stimulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine.

                      If you’re looking for additional nutrient suggestions, consider supplementing with L-tyrosine, rhodiola, and ginkgo. All may help to improve alertness, focus, and concentration.

                      Share
                      Life Extension
                      Life Extension
                      LIFE EXTENSION The Life Extension Health News team delivers accurate information about vitamins, nutrition and aging. Our stories rely on multiple, authoritative sources and experts. We keep our content accurate and trustworthy, by submitting it to a medical reviewer. Life Extensionists are people who believe in taking advantage of documented scientific therapies to help maintain optimal health and slow aging. The medical literature contains thousands of references on the use of antioxidant vitamins, weight loss supplements, and hormones that have been shown to improve the quality and quantity of life. Life Extensionists attempt to take advantage of this scientific information to enhance their changes of living longer in good health. This article is posted by permission of Life Extension. https://www.lifeextension.com/

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                      This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. FoodTrients – A Recipe for Aging Beautifully Grace O, author and creator of FoodTrients® -- a philosophy, a cookbook and a resource -- has a new cookbook dedicated to age-defying and delicious recipes, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, which provides one hundred-plus recipes that promote health and well-being. The recipes are built on foundations of modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world. Since the publication of her first anti-aging book, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, Grace O has identified eight categories of FoodTrients benefits (Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune Booster, Disease Prevention, Beauty, Strength, Mind, and Weight Loss) that are essential to fighting aging, which show how specific foods, herbs, and spices in the recipes help keep skin looking younger, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality. Grace O combines more exotic ingredients that add age-fighting benefits to familiar recipe favorites.

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