There’s another benefit as to why you should eat dark chocolate

CINCINNATI (WKRC)— Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new study suggested that dark chocolate may offer a hidden health benefit: improved cognitive performance.

According to research published in the journal Cell, dark chocolate contains polyphenols, natural compounds known for their disease-fighting properties, which can enhance cognitive abilities.

Todd Summers of Esther Price Candies explained that polyphenols not only influence the flavor of dark chocolate but also impact cognitive performance. The study compared task abilities between individuals who consumed high polyphenol chocolate and those who ate chocolate with lower polyphenol content.

The results showed that participants in the high polyphenol group demonstrated sharper cognitive accuracy and improved focus under pressure, while those in the low polyphenol group experienced lower concentration and struggled with mental tasks.

Researchers attribute these cognitive benefits to improved blood flow and circulation, boosted by the consumption of dark chocolate. The study found that only 25 grams of high polyphenol chocolate were needed to achieve these benefits, which is roughly equivalent to a couple of small chocolates from a box of assorted chocolates.

To gain these cognitive advantages, researchers recommend choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao content.