Studies reveal which substance helps increase the “positive” effects of the drink
This Friday (24th) we celebrate National Coffee Day, an ancient drink that has the power to stimulate the central nervous system and increase our state of alertness and, consequently, increase concentration, as well as helping to improve various functions cognitive, such as memory.
For those who like to mix other ingredients in the drink to increase its benefits, it must be said that new research has shown that cocoa, and not sugar or traditional sweetener, is the best choice in these cases. A study published in Frontiers in the journal Pharmacology revealed that cocoa contains theobromine, a caffeine-like compound that affects people’s mood and attention.
Other research have shown that the combination of coffee and cocoa causes the brain to receive more oxygen due to the amount of flavonoids released into the bloodstream. One third research conducted jointly by the Universities of Wisconsin, Oregon and Georgia, all in the United States, strengthened the case that adding cocoa to coffee helps consumers concentrate.
“We have noticed that cocoa increases cerebral blood flow, which improves cognition and attention. Caffeine itself can increase anxiety. This particular project found that cocoa has the power to reduce the uncomfortable effects of caffeine and of the unrest,” one of the study’s authors, Ali Boolani, told Global News.
How the study was conducted
Study participants were divided into groups and consumed four different hot drinks: one with cocoa, another with caffeine, another with a combination of the two, and another that was a placebo.
According to the analysis, people who consumed only cocoa or a mixture of the two showed faster response rates and there was also an increase in concentration.
This same research found that coffee itself could have a negative effect on people’s mood. Compared to the placebo group, those who drank coffee were more irritable. Those who consumed it with coffee were less angry and anxious.
So, did you have coffee today?
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
