Good News for Chocolate Lovers

A new meta-analysis by researchers in Italy found that eating chocolate (dark) may
not only help improve memory and cognitive function, but long-term consumption
may also help counteract cognitive decline. The benefit is derived from the
antioxidant compounds in cocoa beans called cocoa flavanols. Cocoa flavanols have
a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the brain and boost processing speed of
visual imagery. The review also suggests that for the elderly, long-term ingestion of
the cocoa has a significant effect on memory, attention and verbal fluency. This is
especially true in those already experiencing cognitive decline.