Chocolate lovers could be doing more than satisfying a craving, they could be boosting their cognitive powers. A study led by Professor Ian MacDonald at the University of Nottingham found that high levels of cocoa flavenols increased blood flow to key areas of the brain for 2 to 3 hours.

Flavenols are found in chocolate with high cocoa content as well as red wine, green tea and blueberries. For the study, participants ingested a special cocoa drink enriched with flavenols following which brain activity and blood flow to the brain was studied using MRI.

Professor Macdonald said: “Acute consumption of this particular flavanol-rich cocoa beverage was associated with increased grey matter flow for two to three hours.

“The demonstration of an effect of consuming this particular beverage on cerebral blood flow raises the possibility that certain food ingredients may be beneficial in increasing brain blood flow and enhancing brain function, in situations where individuals are cognitively impaired such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, or possibly ageing.”

The cocoa-rich flavenol drink was specially formulated for this study and is not available commercially.

Professor MacDonald presented his findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Boosting brain power - with chocolate