Dark chocolate is an ally of our eyes
Chocolate is good for eyesight. Well yes. This is suggested by a US study published in Jama Ophthalmology, which shows that chocolate compounds act positively on the visual sphere, with beneficial and protective effects for the eyes. But let’s find out what they are!
FLAVONOIDS AND CHOCOLATE
Chocolate has a large amount of flavonoids, phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which improve blood circulation, thus nourishing the brain and the connections connected to it, such as vision. The richness of flavonoids, amines, alkaloids and flavanols also provides additional protection against hypertension and diabetes, improves mood, memory and also protects the heart.
The chocolate that contains the most is dark chocolate. Compared to milk and white chocolate, in fact, it has a higher percentage of cocoa, about 70%, and from here derive many health benefits.
DARK CHOCOLATE AND EYESIGHT: THE STUDY CARRIED OUT
This property of chocolate was discussed in a study published in Jama Ophthalmology and conducted by Dr Jeff Rabin and a team of researchers from the University of the Incarnate World, Texas, in Texas. In essence, the authors of this study pointed out that cocoa, in its berries, contains a large amount of excellent nutrients for health, such as flavonoids, already mentioned above, alkaloids and flavanols, which act at the brain level. It is precisely thanks to these properties that chocolate is considered effective on the blood flow of the retina.
The study was carried out on a sample of 30 adults, with an average of 26 years. Participants were asked to eat a 70% dark chocolate bar and a milk chocolate bar. About two hours later, each participant underwent a standard vision test with letter reading; At the end of the experiment, the participants who had consumed dark chocolate demonstrated greater visual acuity and better sensitivity to contrast, i.e. to light and dark stimuli.
THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY CONFIRM THE INITIAL INTUITION
The experiment showed that chocolate is a friend of sight: it improves visual acuity and protects the retina from macular degeneration, a disease that can seriously compromise vision.
It also seems that dark chocolate helps contain the damage caused by glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to partial or total loss of vision. Dark chocolate also contains a good source of copper, which is useful for helping to prevent damage to the optic nerve.
Who would have thought that a small ally like dark chocolate could be so wonderful for the health of our eyes? Seeing is believing.
