Moderation is the key to all wonderful things in life.
A recent literature review validates what many of us think we know about chocolate – it positively affects our brains. Here’s a breakdown:
- Five out of eight studies included in the review showed either improved mood after eating chocolate or decreased negative mood.
- Three out of eight studies showed “clear evidence” of cognitive enhancement related to the cocoa flavanols and methylxanthines found in chocolate.
- Two studies failed to show behavioral benefits from eating chocolate, but they did identify “significant alterations” in brain activation patterns.
- While it’s unclear whether chocolate’s effects are related to its taste, mouthfeel, or the pharmacological actions of what’s in the chocolate, two studies have shown “acute cognitive effects” with cocoa polyphenols supplementation.
- The authors of the literature review call for further exploration into chocolate’s cognitive benefits and the ways it may result in functional brain changes because of the substances within the chocolate.
Are you eager to contribute to chocolate research? Researchers will have no trouble finding enthusiastic volunteers! However, moderation is the key to all wonderful things in life.
