Dark chocolate was able to increase intelligence in a certain group of people AJCN: Dark chocolate improves cognitive performance in malnourished people

Scientists from the University of Massachusetts found that consuming chocolate extract may reduce the likelihood of dementia-related cognitive impairment. results of work researchers It was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN).

600 adults over the age of 60, who are at high risk of developing dementia, participated in the study. Half of the volunteers consumed 500 milligrams of dark chocolate with added cocoa extract for two years, while the other half took a placebo. Participants also completed a series of cognitive and psychological tests before and after the study.

Researchers found that cocoa extract did not improve cognitive function in older adults who followed a healthy diet. However, on the contrary, participants with “bad” eating habits and consuming chocolate showed slight improvements in cognitive tests.

This effect is due to the presence of flavanols in cocoa. These foods are thought to contain antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Cocoa specifically contains the flavanol epicatechin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and degeneration in the brain.

More research is still needed to determine whether high doses of cocoa extract can improve cognitive function, the team said. The truth is that the findings directly contradict other data suggesting that the flavanols in cocoa can improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia in people following any diet.

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