How can one boost brain help? One of the most tangible ways to accomplish this during a busy season is by what you eat or drink. And starting now could transform you through finals season this semester.
In Mel Robbin’s podcast, “Tools For a Better Brain & 3 Daylight Savings Hacks from Dr. Amen.” Dr. Amen mentions so many insightful ways to simply transform your brain. But what stood out was his morning habit of raw cacao hot chocolate.
How do you make this brain healthy hot chocolate? Dr. Amen says you want one teaspoon of raw cacao, an unsweetened nut milk, and sweet leaf’s stevia (just a few drops). Mix it up and there you go, a perfect way to add sweetness this holiday season while taking action to improve your overall brain health.
But do students know what is good for their brain health? I asked if they knew what is better for brain health, raw cacao or whole milk? For reference, cacao has been proven to improve cognitive performance of speed and memory call according to Harvard researchers (Simpson) whereas whole milk contains saturated fat that is not beneficial cognitive performance and may lead to according to George Mason College of Public Health.
One of the three students I interviewed recognizes the benefits of cacao to your brain and heart. Junior Avery Potyondy said, “I think cacao is better for you brain because your brain and heart are connected.”
However, sophomore Emry Parker said, “I don’t know anything about raw cacao, it probably has a whole bunch of nutrients and vitamins, but I feel like whole milk has a lot of protein and nutrients.”
And on the same track, junior Quin Kanno said, “ I think whole milk because it has protein and calcium.” Furthermore she said, “I don’t quite know what raw cacao has in it,” while the two students a gave a good shot at the trivia questions, it leads me to understand students may not know their potential for improving their brain health this finals season/
So. my advice to you, is take the extra step to make your holiday even sweeter and try out a hot chocolate recipe that may make a difference in your studies this season.
https://publichealth.gmu.edu/news/2025-09/got-questions-about-milk-heres-whole-milk-truth
