Dark chocolates and sleep are no longer enemies. A new study found that one of the benefits of dark chocolate is giving you a good night's sleep. So there's no need to hit those sleeping pills or that Nyquil, just grab yourself a small treat!
Magnesium Content Of Dark Chocolates
Research conducted at Edinburgh and Cambridge universities found that like leafy vegetables, dark chocolates are rich in magnesium. This mineral is essential in keeping the body's circadian rhythm, responsible for the normal waking hours.
Tech Times reported that the study was led by Dr. Gerben Van Ooijen. He's from the Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh. Daily Mail reported that researchers suggest that the magnesium content of dark chocolates will help your body in "running on time."
Not only that, magnesium is also responsible for other bodily functions. These include giving you a healthier immune system, reducing heart attack risk and preventing a particular group of cancers from their onset.
The Importance Of Circadian Rhythms
With very promising results, the research might help in developing better chronotherapy. This is a type of treatment that considers the body's circadian rhythms and cycles.
This has been eyed for many applications. It could be used not only on individuals but also to attune crop varieties to the time of year.
Magnesium can affect many aspects of one's movements. Circadian rhythms are linked to sleeping and walking, body temperature, hormone release, metabolism and other bodily functions needed for day-to-day movements.
"Internal clocks are fundamental to all living things," said Ooijen. They contribute a lot in the body's functions as they can influence diseases and health of the individuals. Not only that, plants and microorganisms likewise need magnesium.
Improving Health, Agricultural Productivity
Researchers are looking at improving human health and also agricultural productivity. They found that magnesium oscillates during a 24-hour period. The oscillation of magnesium is essential in sustaining the energy of the cell all throughout the day.
With this emerging discovery on the benefits of dark chocolates, now is the time to partake of those guilty pleasures. Don't worry; you will be able to have a good night's sleep.
