Over the years, scientists have confirmed that a number of natural chemicals found in cocoa beans have therapeutic effects. For example, the polyphenols in dark chocolate increase the calm and satisfaction of individuals and the flavanols are capable of reversing memory problems associated with age, that is, memory decline. Now, a team of scientists from the University of L’Aquila (Italy) has discovered that a daily dose of cocoa acts as a dietary supplement to counteract different types of cognitive decline. Intake of cocoa was associated with an improvement in working memory and in the processing of visual information. The study has been published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
The experts examined the effects of the administration of cocoa flavanols on brain activity and, more specifically, what happens if this treatment is prolonged for a long period of time. Thus, they analyzed the effects of consuming cocoa in low, medium or high amounts, either in the form of a drink or in a chocolate bar, over a period of between five days and three months. They found enough evidence to support the positive health claims attributed to cocoa and, in particular, flavanol compounds.
Study subjects showed improvements in working memory performance and better visual information processing after consuming chocolate. Mind you, the benefits varied depending on the demographic.
For the elderly , long-term ingestion of chocolate improved attention, mental processing, working memory and verbal fluency and, above all, was more beneficial for those who had mild cognitive impairment or onset of memory loss.
“This result suggests the potential for cocoa flavanols to protect cognition in vulnerable populations by enhancing long-term cognitive performance,” the authors comment.
For healthy people , without memory loss, chocolate could also improve normal cognitive functioning and play a protective role in cognitive performance.
The group with the greatest benefits for consuming cocoa
The scientists found promising results for people who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation or regularly work different shifts. In the study, women who drank cocoa after a night of total insomnia had the cognitive decline associated with lack of sleep counteracted.
“If the underlying mechanism is observed, cocoa flavanols have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and can increase brain blood volume … This structure is particularly affected by aging and is therefore a potential source of decreased age-related memory in humans, “the researchers clarify.
“Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavanols, so we should eat some dark chocolate every day, ” they say.
As a curiosity, we remember that chocolate also contains theobromine , a toxic substance. However, we should not be alarmed because to cause a poisoning it would be necessary to ingest around 85 tablets -not portions- of chocolate in a row.
Reference: Enhancing Human Cognition with Cocoa Flavonoids. Valentina Socci, Daniela Tempesta, Giovambattista Desideri, Luigi De Gennaro, Michele Ferrara. Frontiers in Nutrition 2017. doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2017.00019
