Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cocoa, particularly in the form of flavanol-rich cocoa, has garnered scientific interest for its potential benefits in supporting memory and brain function. The primary compounds of interest are cocoa flavanols, which are thought to improve endothelial function and increase cerebral blood flow. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined cocoa’s cognitive effects, especially in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment. Results suggest that regular consumption of high-flavanol cocoa may result in small but significant improvements in aspects of cognitive performance, such as executive function, attention, and memory.

For example, a well-cited study published in Nature Neuroscience (2014) found that older adults who consumed a high-flavanol cocoa drink daily for three months showed improved performance on memory tests and increased function in the dentate gyrus, a region of the brain involved in memory. Other studies report enhanced cerebral blood flow after cocoa consumption, which could underlie cognitive benefits.

However, the evidence is not yet robust enough to recommend cocoa as a primary intervention for memory disorders, and effects tend to be modest. Variability in flavanol content and study design also affects results. While cocoa has a long history of traditional use for various purposes, its application specifically for cognitive enhancement is primarily supported by modern scientific research.

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