The Secret Behind Cocoa's Brain-Boosting Ability

[Sukhbir]

Increased consumption of cocoa flavanols may improve cognition by boosting brain oxygenation levels, new research suggests. In a small study of healthy adult men, researchers observed increased brain oxygenation after the men drank a flavanol-enriched cocoa drink, which was associated with better performance on a challenging cognitive task.

[Lata]

@sukhbir Cocoa flavanols, a subgroup of flavonoids that are also present in berries, grapes, apples, and tea, have been shown to improve endothelial function by enhancing the vasodilatory properties of peripheral arteries. Emerging evidence also suggests that flavanol-rich diets protect against cognitive aging, but mechanisms remain unclear. The researchers assessed the underlying acute physiologic actions of cocoa flavanols on cerebrovascular and cognitive function in 18 healthy men, aged 18 to 40 years. The study employed a double-blind, within-subject, placebo-controlled design.