Do you work a steady 9 to 5 job?  Yes? … Then you know that the three-o’clock slump is a very real thing.  For those of you not familiar with the term, the 3 p.m. slump is the energy crash, and mental fogginess you feel a few hours before the end of the work day.  A new study sponsored by Hershey has found that snacking on chocolate, more specifically the dark kind, can keep you alert and get your mind back on track when this crash hits.   

Although sponsored by Hershey, the study was conducted by researchers at Northern Arizona University.  What they found could make you feel less guilty about grabbing a chocolate bar after lunch.  They found that snacking on dark chocolate, the kind with a high cacao content, can improve alertness and concentration.  They gauged these brain functions with EEG testing, which measures how much electrical activity is going on in the brain.  The high cacao chocolate, 60% cacao, increased brain activity and stimulated cognitive function.

The study analyzed 122 18-25 year olds, measuring their brain activity after being given chocolate with varying levels of cacao chocolate.   The positive mental benefits were found to happen after participants ate chocolate that was at least 60% cacao. This could have some great implications for students trying to pay attention in class, or anyone fighting sleepiness at work midday.  By having some high cocoa chocolate on hand, you can fight the midday slump and keep your mental energy in check until the end of the day.  

Of course, there are tons of other health benefits to dark chocolate besides just the mental energy boost it provides.  This antioxidant powerhouse is good for your heart, your mood, and can even help keep you looking young.  Here are some more of those benefits, and remember, choose a chocolate bar high in cocoa (at least 60%) to enjoy all these positives. Who knew chocolate could be so sweet!

Health benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Rich in antioxidants

2. Cocoa flavanols have been linked to heart health

3. Can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow in the body

4. Helps control blood sugar and protect against type 2diabetes

5. Boosts alertness and cognitive performance

6. Improves mood

7. Reduces stress

8. Boosts immune system

9. Reduces risk of premature aging

10. Rich in vitamins and minerals