They examined existing studies for the effects of acute and chronic administration of cocoa flavanols on different cognitive domains. Although randomised controlled trials investigating the acute effect of cocoa flavanols are sparse, most of them point towards a beneficial effect on cognitive performance. Participants showed, among others, enhancements in working memory performance and improved visual information processing after having had cocoa flavanols. It turns out that for them cognitive performance was improved by a daily intake of cocoa flavanols. “This result suggests the potential of cocoa flavanols to protect cognition in vulnerable populations over time by improving cognitive performance,” said Valentina Socci, from the University of L’Aquila.

Source: Hindustan Times June 30, 2017 14:26 UTC