Chocolate cake for breakfast is good for your brain and waist

Scientists from Syracuse University (New York, USA) conducted a large-scale study among 968 people aged 23–98 years who did not change their eating habits.

The experiment showed that chocolate directly influences cognitive processes, and its frequent consumption significantly improves memory and develops abstract thinking.

A few years ago, researchers at Tel Aviv University reported that they eat chocolate every morning. It helps them at work. Contrary to popular belief that dieters should eliminate chocolate from their diet, it was found that chocolate actually helps you lose weight.

“When you wake up, your brain is in dire need of energy,” says Professor Daniela Jakubowicz, author of the bestselling book The Big Breakfast Diet. “At this time of day, your body converts food into energy. If you eat later, your brain is still in combat mode, but it stores energy as fat. So even if you eat less, you still gain weight.”

It is important to eat chocolate no later than 9 a.m. According to Dr. Daniela, people who eat proteins, carbohydrates and a high-calorie dessert (600 kcal) for breakfast lose more weight than people who eat later and eat only 300 kcal.

What is it about chocolate that has this effect? Scientists believe it is flavonoids, a nutrient that is a natural antioxidant and is found in cocoa beans. High levels of flavonoids are also found in tea, red wine, grapes and apples.

So next time you're sadly contemplating whether to eat chocolate or not, feel free to include it in your morning diet. Your brain and waistline will thank you for it!