BITS ‘N’ PIECES
For many of us, sinking our teeth into a bar of chocolate is one of the greatest joys of life. Now, a study has found it may improve memory, concentration and problem-solving skills.
Researchers discovered those who ate any type of chocolate at least once a week performed better on a range of brain tests than those who didn’t indulge.
This may be due to a compound called flavanols in the sweet treat, which are abundant in dark chocolate.
Flavanols are a type of antioxidant, a compound which may prevent or delay some types of cell damage, and are also found in citrus fruit and tea.
They have already been shown to reduce the risk of dementia, as well as fighting weight gain and lowering the chances of conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
The study by the University of South Australia used data which tracked 1,000 people over 30 years and measured a whole range of health indicators.
They examined whether eating chocolate habitually was associated with better brain function. They analysed its effects on memory, concentration, reasoning and information processing. This included testing their ability to remember and recall a list of words or remember where an object was placed, retain information, process it and then recall it.
They found those who ate chocolate at least once a week performed better than those who ate chocolate less than once a week.
They also found that consuming cocoa every day helped improve mild cognitive impairment - a condition involving memory loss which can progress to dementia or Alzheimer’s - in elderly patients.
Most animals don’t have
grandmas, but elephants do
For those of us lucky enough to have grandmas, we know they are a blessing. Grandparents can be a source of comfort and joy. Not to mention that many of us actually grow up with our grandparents - family doesn’t just mean a mom and dad raising kids.
Elephants often live in large families made up of babies, juveniles and females. They’re often led by the oldest of these females, which often have a really important social role in their families.
Part of the reason elephants are special comes from the fact that they live so long. They can live up to 70 years! Many other animals simply don’t live long enough to really see their children’s children. But even if they do, other animals don’t necessarily have any significant bond with the kid.
Elephant grandmas help in protecting the baby and keeping track of it. Grandmas are also often the boss of the family. They can lead the family to the right places to forage or drink, or lead the way when interacting with other elephant families.
Next time you meet someone who grew up with their grandma, let them know that they’re like an elephant.
Compiled by Usama Rasheed
