These Foods Give You The Benefits Of Exercise
Did you know certain foods can give you the benefits of doing exercise? Let’s dive into the world of Astringent Flavanols!
These Foods Give You The Benefits Of Exercise
Did you know certain foods can give you the benefits of doing exercise? Let’s dive into the world of Astringent Flavanols!
What Are Astringent Flavanols?
Astringency is described as a dry, bitter flavor that leaves a rough, sandpapery sensation in the mouth. What causes this sensation is the high flavanol content in these foods.
Research has shown that taking foods containing flavanols with astringent properties leads to various health benefits.
Better Memory
Researchers in Japan found that mice who took Astringent Flavanols had better memory and learning behavior compared to those who did not. They also found that the mice were more curious about their surroundings and more exploratory.
A single dose of flavanols was found to improve memory in humans, as well as regulate the circadian clock (restfulness and wakefulness). Flavanols are also a potent antioxidant, protecting the brain from damage.
Astringent Flavanols trigger the gut-brain axis and sympathetic nervous system by increasing dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is responsible for motivation, joy, attention, and stress response.
Mimics Exercise
While not entirely a replacement for exercise, foods with Astringent Flavanols increased signalling in the noradrenergic neurotransmitters.
The Japanese researchers also found that mice who had taken Astringent Flavanols had more catecholamines in their urine, which are hormones released when stressed.
These stress responses, the researchers noted, were similar to those produced during exercise. This suggests that taking Astringent Flavanols can trigger physical responses similar to those done by exercise
Foods Containing Astringent Flavanols
Flavanols are known to cause red or purple coloring in foods, so foods with that hue are more likely to contain them
Cocoa and Dark Chocolate: Cocoa and dark chocolate (non-dairy) contain some of the highest Astringent Flavanol content
Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries are rich in flavanols and natural antioxidants
