Just in time for the heaviest chocolate buying and giving part of the year a new study indicates that Cocoa Flavanols may reverse memory decline. One more reason to eat chocolate. After all we’ve known for some time Dark Chocolate is good for your heart, at least that’s what my cardiologist says.
But before you run out and consume a truck load of chocolate (because that is what you’d have to do) thinking that you will get you memory back, let’s examine the study just a little more.
The study backed by Mars (the chocolate people) only had 37 participants aged 50-69 and some received a high flavanol diet (900 mg a day). To put this in perspective, a typical 100 g (3.5 oz) bar of dark chocolate only contains 53.49 mg of the stuff and milk chocolate much less. The results did show that those getting the 900 mg showed the memory of a typical 30-40 year-old after 3 months on the diet.
So if you are interested in trying the diet out Mars has a product called CocoaVia. On their website you will find all kinds of products rich with the Cocoa Flavanols and information about what it is supposed to do to help your body. Their website is: www.cocoavia.com (we don’t receive any compensation for this link – we just care about you and your health.)
So this year forgo the typical candy ritual and try something different that will keep you healthy and potentially bring back some of those memories.
Speaking of healthy – how are you doing with your daily stretching and breaks? This is your weekly reminder to:
GET UP OFF YOUR BUTT ON A REGULAR BASIS (yes we are shouting at you!!!)
Remember 30-45 minutes is the maximum amount of sitting time between breaks of physical activity and mental resting. Yes, your brain needs to rest and recharge throughout the day as well. And no we don’t know if taking the chocolate flavanols will help, only time and more studies will tell us.
Ok, back to some more stretching routines as we continue our ramp up of activity during the day.
First up this week – The Freedom Search
Clasp your hands behind your back, push the chest outward and raise your chin. This is better done outside where you are look up at the trees and breathe deeply thereby refreshing your inner core as well. But if you are inside then you can contemplate life as you examine the ceiling tiles or other structure of your ceiling.
Next – The Spine-Popping Chatterbox
Cross your legs and alternate twists toward the back of the chair. Exhale as you lean into the stretch for greater range of motion. You could even do this while you are conferencing with someone, assuming they won’t be distracted by your swiveling around in your desk chair.
Even better, get up and do this standing up and encourage others to do this as well, you may have to ignore the whole crossing of legs thing if you are standing. The meeting will be more productive, energized and probably shorter which may or may not be a good thing.