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Chocolate is famous not only for its taste but also for its potential benefits on brain health.

While sugary treats often receive a bad rap, emerging research sheds light on the cognitive benefits of certain compounds found in cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate.

Benefits of Flavanols

Flavanols, a group of antioxidant-rich compounds present in cocoa, have garnered attention for their purported ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation within the body.

Studies suggest that these flavanols may play a role in mitigating age-related memory decline and improving cognitive function.

In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, scientists at Columbia University Medical Center observed promising results among healthy adults aged 50 to 69, indicating a potential reversal of age-related memory decline associated with cocoa flavanols.

Similarly, a randomized double-blind trial published in Scientific Reports in 2020 explored the cognitive effects of a high-flavanol cocoa drink on younger adults aged approximately 20 to 40.

Participants who consumed the high-flavanol beverage demonstrated enhanced blood flow and improved cognitive performance on challenging tasks.

Experts' Warning

Despite these findings, experts caution against indiscriminate consumption of chocolate for cognitive enhancement. Dr. Gabriele Gratton, Ph.D., noted that commercial chocolate products may undergo processes like Dutch processing or roasting, which can diminish flavanol content.

"Unfortunately, it is not necessarily true that the chocolate you buy would have the potential benefits that we are talking about," Gratton said, Parade reported.

Dr. Carolyn Fredericks, M.D., a neurologist at Yale School of Medicine, advocates for moderation, particularly with milk chocolate products high in added sugars. While acknowledging the potential cognitive benefits of cocoa, she stressed the importance of viewing chocolate as a "sweet treat" within a balanced diet.

Other Ways to Support Brain Health

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Thomas Vidic, M.D., pointed out the value of maintaining overall brain health through diverse strategies. Beyond chocolate, adhering to a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, engaging in regular exercise and stimulating the mind through social and cognitive activities are recommended.

"Anything that you do that stretches your brain and you enjoy is okay," Fredericks explained. "It does have to be challenging and interesting enough that you keep doing it."

 "An occasional piece of chocolate, maybe even as a reward for exercising, would not be unacceptable. But if you are going to sit on the couch and eat chocolate all day as a way of helping your memory, we're not there yet."