"Stress responses elicited by flavanols in this study are similar to those elicited by physical exercise. Thus, moderate intake of flavanols, despite their poor bioavailability, can improve the health and quality of life."
"Analysis revealed those that consumed flavanols showed stronger performance in learning and memory tasks compared with the other group - despite little being absorbed into their body."
"Flavanols boosted neurotransmitter activity in multiple regions of the brain. Shortly after being given flavanols, levels of the 'feel-good' hormone dopamine increased along with the 'fight-or-flight' hormone norepinephrine."
Flavanols, natural plant compounds found in red wine, chocolate, and berries, produce exercise-like cognitive benefits despite minimal bloodstream absorption. Research on mice demonstrated that flavanols enhanced learning and memory performance compared to control groups. The compounds trigger stress responses in the brain similar to physical exercise by stimulating the central nervous system. Flavanols increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, chemicals essential for motivation, attention, alertness, and stress regulation. Rather than functioning through traditional absorption mechanisms, flavanols act as moderate stressors that activate multiple brain regions, suggesting moderate flavanol intake can improve overall health and quality of life.
Read at Mail Online
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