The bitter sensation of dark chocolate was not only good to eat, but also beneficial for health.
A recent study revealed that indulging in eating dark chocolate could help improve vision.
Scientists have revealed that dark chocolate or dark chocolate consumption will help improve vision. According to the study, adults who ate a bar of dark chocolate had a significant increase in visual clarity and contrast sensitivity. This result is obtained in a short time that is two hours after consumption.
Partner author of the Jeff C. Rabin study from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School od Optometry in San Antonio and the team published the findings in JAMA Ophtalmology.
When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds that can add positive effects such as reducing inflammation.
Citing Medical News Today, this flavonoid is responsible for improving heart health, improving cognitive function, and eyes.
The researchers tested the effect of dark chocolate on 30 healthy adults (nine men and 21 women) with an average age of 26 years. No subject of the study has a history of eye disease.
In two separate sessions, each participant was asked to eat a small piece of dark chocolate containing 316.3 milligrams of flavanol, as well as a small milk chocolate bar containing 40 milligrams of flavanol.
Survey participants were not informed of the type of chocolate they consume at each session.
After 2 hours, all respondents undergo a visual testing process. As a result, there is an increase in visual contrast sensitivity or the ability to read upper and lower case letters on different contrast after eating dark chocolate than when eating milk chocolate.
There is a theory that is conveyed about this possibility.
"Increased retinal ability, visual pathways, and / or cerebral blood flow may be contributors because it improves the bioavailability of oxygen and nutrients metabolically," write the investigators.
Respondents also experienced a slight increase in visual acuity. It's just as yet unclear how long this visual enhancement will last.
"The reported findings suggest that a single dose of dark chocolate increases visibility within two hours compared to milk chocolate. But duration and clinical relevance are still not ascertained, "they wrote.