Chocolate may help improve brain function and cognition. A study found that participants who consumed cocoa flavonols in moderate doses through beverages had improved memory, task switching, and hand-eye coordination. Flavonols present in dark chocolate are thought to increase insulin sensitivity and cerebral blood flow, strengthening brain function. Scientists also found that people who regularly consumed foods like chocolate, wine or tea rich in flavonols scored higher on cognitive tests than those with little flavonol intake. To gain these benefits, it is best to choose high quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa rather than typical candy bars.

1. Most people don't need an excuse to eat chocolate -- its creamy texture and delicious taste are reason
enough. Yet, here is another compelling reason to savor chocolate: it helps your brain work better.
Flavonols present within chocolate may be the key to this enhanced cognitive functioning. But we are
not speaking of a Hershey bar here -- only high quality, extra dark varieties will improve brain function
and sharpen the mind.

2. A study established a connection between heightened cognitive ability and the consumption of
chocolate. According to research "This study provides encouraging evidence that consuming cocoa
flavonols, as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet, could improve cognitive
function." Participants were instructed to consume a high, intermediate or low dose cocoa flavonol
beverage for eight weeks. Those who drank the high and intermediate versions had improved working
and verbal memory, task-switching and hand-eye coordination. Researchers suspect that the brain
boosting qualities of cocoa flavonols are due to an improvement of insulin sensitivity. A comparable
study in the United Kingdom demonstrated the ability of flavonol cocoa to strengthen brain function by
increasing cerebral blood flow.
Scientists came to a similar conclusion. Participants were asked to complete a detailed account of their
standard diet. They were then given a series of cognitive tests. Those who consistently ate foods rich in
flavonols like chocolate, wine or tea scored significantly higher on the tests than those who had scant
flavonol consumption. When the diet is teeming with these compounds, the risk of Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's and stroke is reduced as well.
Choose wisely
The typical chocolate bar will do little except swell the waistline and increase the prospect of developing
Type II diabetes. To maximize the health benefits of chocolate, only exceptional quality will do -- organic,
extra dark (at least 70 percent cocoa) and preferably raw. Remember, the higher the cocoa content, the
lower the sugar. Unsweetened powdered cocoa is acceptable as long as it isn't processed with alkali.
Eating large quantities is unnecessary -- a small square of dark chocolate or cup of low-sugar cocoa
beverage per day is adequate.
With intelligent use, chocolate is an excellent food for protecting and improving the brain. As a delicious
daily habit, a spot of chocolate will help to keep the mind sharp and cognitive disease at bay.