Flavanols are natural compounds that boost brain function alongside a range of protective effects, and are found in abundance in cocoa beans.
The study, from researchers at the University of L'Aquila, Italy, found that attention, brain processing speed, working memory, and fluency of speech in the elderly can all be improved by a daily dose of flavanol.
This, the researchers said, means that chocolate - more specifically the flavanols it contains - could one day be used to treat vulnerable people.
'This result suggests the potential of cocoa flavanols to protect cognition in vulnerable populations over time by improving cognitive performance,' study lead author Dr Valentina Socci said.
'Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavanols - so we always eat some dark chocolate, every day.'
As well as the apparent health benefits, the researchers also warned of the potential side effects of eating cocoa and chocolate.
'Those are generally linked to the caloric value of chocolate, some inherent chemical compounds of the cocoa plant such as caffeine and theobromine, and a variety of additives we add to chocolate such as sugar or milk,' Dr Socci said.
In the study - a review of recent research into the effects of chocolate - the team explored what happens to your brain up to a few hours after you eat cocoa flavanols.
They also studied what happens when you sustain a chocolate enriched diet for an extended period of time.
Many of the studies pointed toward flavanols having a positive effect on brain function.
Participants showed, among others, enhancements in memory tests and quicker visual processing skills after having had cocoa flavanols.
For women, eating cocoa after a night of total sleep deprivation actually counteracted some of the effects of tiredness.
The researchers say that these results are promising for people that suffer from chronic sleep deprivation or work shifts.
The effects of eating cocoa flavanols in the long term - ranging from 5 days up to 3 months - has mostly been studied in elderly people.
The review found that, for the elderly, brain function is boosted by a daily intake of chocolate.
Factors such as attention, brain processing speed, working memory, and fluency of speech were all greatly improved.
These effects were, however, most pronounced in older adults with a starting memory decline or other mild brain impairments.
PLEASE NOTE I SHARED THIS INFORMATION FOR EDUCATION PURPOSES AND DON'T OWN IT - HOPE YOU GUYS LEARN FROM THE POST ABOVE ;)
Not to be mean but it's spelled as Flavanoids, but yes it's healthy because of the antioxidants having an anti-inflammatory effect.
HI no offense taken on the spelling :) - I checked it and found flavanol is a term used to describe the phytonutrients found in cocoa, I hardly ever eat chocolate but my daughter knows how much I like to eat organic whenever possible and bought me a salted organic bar og Green and Black chocolate...omg....off the scale delicious.
Such a kind and thoughtful daughter you have :), also you're correct the flavanoids in chocolate are called flavanols so my correction was unecessary, my bad.
Hahaa not at all bad, you were just trying to be helpful and I'm glad of that...thanks :)
Yes she was being really thoughtful and you must try it if you ever get a chance, the hint of salt lights up the taste bud is a AmAzInG :) x