<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/12/05/05/14/cocoa-powder-1883108_1280.jpg </center>

According to a recent study that was published in the journal <b>Frontiers in Nutrition</b>, cocoa might be beneficial in being able to counteract various types of cognitive decline. Italian researchers sought to investigate what happens to the human brain after someone is on a prolonged diet that consists of <b>acute and chronic administration</b> of *cocoa flavanols*.

## <b>They found that cognitive performance improves with a daily intake of cocoa flavanols.</b>
<center> </center>
It's also suggested that it might help to improve memory, provide improved <b>visual information processing</b>, and possibly reverse cognitive impairment from sleep deprivation. 
<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/05/06/16/44/chocolate-2290244_1280.jpg </center>

Previous research has also indicated that the antioxidant flavonoids in cocoa flavanols (<b>found in chocolate</b>) can be possibly beneficial for cardiovascular health, improving blood pressure, and more. 

Earlier studies, analyzing the effects of cocoa flavanols, have also found that those who consumed medium-to-high amounts of the cocoa flavanols on a daily basis, had shown significant improvement when it came to memory, executive function, and attention. There are multiple studies available which suggest that cocoa flavanols might be greatly beneficial when it comes to improvement cognitive decline. 

For the recent study that was released in *Frontiers*, Italian researchers analyzed the already available scientific literature on the topic in order to assess the effects of cocoa and the potential for it to play a role in cognitive improvement. 

The findings of their study add to a notion that is already held by many who believe that taking cocoa on a regular basis is important in the way of trying to improve cognitive functioning or prevent decline.  But researchers do note that there are side effects of taking cocoa and chocolate, such as worries over calorie intake and other chemicals and additives that might be in the chocolate. 

<center>https://healthyeater.com/wp-content/uploads/lindt.jpg </center>
Dark chocolate is said to have a higher proportion of flavanols, than you would find in common milk chocolate options, that is why many who are looking to reap the benefits of the flavanols will often go for the strong dark chocolate, 70% cocoa and up etc.  It's assumed that a higher percentage of cacao or cocoa in the chocoalte, is going to mean a higher amount of the cocoa flavanols. 

<center>https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/2f/65/ee2f656be9e7acf1a612442feb5c1f4e--british-chocolate-dark-chocolate-bar.jpg </center>

Because of the growing interest in the dark chocolate, we can see that other popular already well-established brands are also trying to creep into that space and introduce their own dark chocolate, high cocoa options. 

Global chocolate sales are said to be slowing down but dark chocolate sales are showing healthy growth and many consumers believe that dark chocolate is a superior and healthier option. 

For 2016, it's reported that dark chocolate accounted for about 37 percent of all chocolate sales. And it's estimated that global dark chocolate sales are going to see an increase in sales of about 9 percent every year for the next few years, according to a market research report by *Technavio*.
<center>https://tru-chocolate.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Solid-Dark-Chocolate-Wafers-Display2.jpg </center>
# Less Sugar...
A growing number of consumers want healthier options for meals and snacks and that means that there is growing demand for sugar-free options. One of the chocolate companies that is looking to come in and meet the need, providing premium sugar-free dark chocolate products is the company TRU chocolate, there are others out there and no doubt many more will come into the space in the future. 

They use xylitol to sweeten the products and after spending several years refining and perfecting their product, they've just officially launched in the US this year. They want to make good chocolate options that don't have any sugar and that will fit right in to meet the needs of the millions who are looking to cut down on their sugar.  

<center> https://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/posts/2016/01/internet_searches_low_fat_low_sugar/e0cb4944e.jpg</center> 

Market experts say that no matter the economic conditions, bad or good, people like to treat themselves and so we can always expect that people will go to their favorite snack in order to comfort themselves and for many that's a favorite chocolate bar. 

As more people become concerned about what they are eating and go looking for better options, we can expect to see them opt for different sweets like those coming into the chocolate space that are made without sugar or made with more cocoa. When more people hear about the positive benefits that can come from cocoa, like the research findings from the recent study in *Frontiers*, then they will likely opt for the chocolate products that they think they are going to reap more of a benefit from.

<center>https://steemitimages.com/DQmaW48YhsgLS2fxaYkXCuon3tFpQEEh1tSUCU3jjJXv7RT/%40doitvoluntarily.gif </center>
<center>banner thanks to @son-of-satire </center>

Pics:
Pixabay
Healthy eater
Pinterest
TRU Chocolate
BMJ via The Atlantic 

*The information that is posted above is not intended or implied to ever be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.*

Sources:
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/823208/Chocolate-Alzheimers-Cocoa-boosts-blood-flow-to-the-brain-new-research
http://www.med.umich.edu/umim/food-pyramid/dark_chocolate.html
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cocoa-sweet-treat-brain-201502057676
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629101648.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11790962
https://healthyeater.com/dark-chocolate-best-and-worst
https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2016/01/low-sugar-is-overtaking-low-fat/422898/
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/07/us-chocolatiers-looking-for-new-sweet-spot.html
http://www.confectionerynews.com/Markets/Dark-chocolate-market-sales-forecasts-Technavio-predictions
http://www.confectionerynews.com/Manufacturers/TRU-Chocolate-spots-market-gap-for-premium-sugar-free-dark-chocolate
https://tru-chocolate.com/buy/


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