Chocolate news just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?

Science Daily had an article up a few weeks ago about the brain benefits of not only chocolate but wine and tea as well.

The dynamic trio apparently helps with cognitive performance: in a test with 2,031 elderly people between the ages of 70-74, the ones who ate the chocolate, tea and wine scored higher in a battery of cognitive tests than those who didn’t.

The reasoning behind the boost in brain function is still being studied (isn’t it always?), but it’s theorized that because cocoa, tea and red wine contain polyphenols — micronutrients found in plant-derived foods — that those who consume lots of flavonoids, the biggest sub-class of polyphenols, tend to have a lower incidence of dementia.

I can tell you right now how a good piece of chocolate helps my brain: it makes me feel good, which relaxes me, which helps me concentrate. See, you didn’t even have to pay me or spend months of research for that!

[image: sxc]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

But why would you want to do that?

A recent study has apparently found that walking for just 15 minutes can reduce chocolate cravings. Professor Adrian Taylor, the scientist behind the study said:

“Our ongoing work consistently shows that brief bouts of physical activity reduce cigarette cravings, but this is the first study to link exercise to reduced chocolate cravings.

“This could be good news for people who struggle to manage their cravings for sugary snacks and want to lose weight.”

I can understand that, and admit that exercise does help curb the appetite, but so does a bite of really good dark chocolate, and I’d rather do that than exercise some days!

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

This just is not the week for Oreos.

(Before I go on, let me reassure you that the driver escaped unharmed and there were no other injuries reported.)

So that being said, what a tragedy. As you can see, a semi hauling 20,000 pounds of ill-fated Oreos overturned on a freeway in Illinois yesterday morning.

They’re not sure yet what caused the accident (they think the driver fell asleep), but I know where they can send the damaged packages!

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Post from: Chocolate Bytes