Health Affairs

Eating chocolate helps boost the human memory according to new study.

In recent times, according to researchers and scientists, and academic sources online, there are evidence that cocoa flavonoids promotes cognitive functions in people, through mechanisms, like increased cerebral blood flow. The research indicate that consumption of a standard 35 g 70% cocoa dark chocolate bar could aid in verbal episodic memory relative to yielding the same or equal amount of energy 35 g likewise white chocolate bar within two hours. What is memory?

The process of retaining memory is the ability to keep and recall past Events and informations in the mind of an individual. According to psychologist Margaret W. Matin”. Memory is the process of retaining a huge capacity of information over time”. While sources and information materials online have defined it as the ability to use our past experience to determine our future. How we form memories. The process of retaining a memory normally begins when a child is born and occurs continuously. For something to become a memory, it must first be picked up by one or more of our senses. A memory kicks off in short-term storage. We learn how to say Daddy or Mummy, for example. Once we have the process detailed down, it then, goes into our long-term memory and we can repeat the same process without consciously thinking about the steps involved. Types of memory. Majority of scientists would testify that there are four types of memories.

Working memory. There are similarities between the working memory and the short-term memory. The working memory is the ability for a human to manipulate certain information and helps in keeping information or any given task. Advocating for a debate, were by a person would have to remember the main arguments and evidence each side showcases. Solving a difficult mathematical equation were a person must remember several numbers and formulas Singing also, which allows a person to recall the precise notes. While researchers have separated the working and short-term memory into two different categories. Sensory memory. Corn old, De Beni, and Helstrup (2007) illustrated a new personality traits, Memory Sensitivity (MS), defined as “the tendency of individuals to pay particular attention, and accord particular value, to their autobiographical memory”.

Short-term memory.According to sources online, short- term memory is the amount of information-capacity the brain retains over a short period of time. Long-term memory.Long-term memory stores a wide variety of memories and experience’s in a life time. Most memorable events that people recall, especially those older than, about 30 seconds, are part of long-term memory. Many researchers, divide the long-term memory into two subcategories: implicit and explicit.

Explicit long-term memory. Explicit memories are conscious memories of events, autobiographical facts, or things a person learns. Some type of explicit long-term memory includes the following. Episodic memory.These are memories of events or autobiographical facts. Example of episodic memory includes remembering an assignment and personal facts such as someone who got promoted at work. Semantic Memory. Semantic memories are the general knowledge and concept about the world. A person May remember a fact or event that wasn’t physically experienced but studied. For instance, knowing what the human digestive system looks like is an example of semantic memory. However, it would be an episodic memory if the persons long-term memory stores a wide range of unforgettable events. Most memories that people recall, especially those older than 30 seconds, are part of the long-term memory. Implicit long-term memory.

Implicit memories are memories that have a huge impacts on a person's behavior. However; people do not consciously think about them always. Some type’s of this memory include the following. Procedural memory. helps a person in performing a daily routine or task, such as walking or driving. At first they might have to learn to do these things and remember specific skills, but eventually, these task become an automatic part of procedural memory. Summary. The memory is a complex system, not a single organ or process.

A person may improve their memory by adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing strategies specifically designed to promote and recall past experiences. However, People concerned about their memory should consult a doctor, as any unexplained changes could signal a range of medical conditions.

Omoha Ogiri Abraham