A recent study suggests that cocoa may slow or possibly even reverse the memory loss associated with aging. Certain antioxidants found inside the beans have mental benefits previously unknown, especially for those over 60. While scientists need more information, this building research done by the Columbia University Medical Center in New York represents the first solid proof that age-related forgetfulness can be aided with dietary measures.
Cocoa beans contain antioxidants called flavanols, which were the focus of the research. Participants in the study were divided into two groups. One was given drinks with very strong dose of isolated flavanols while the other had a very low dose. After three months, those in the first group showed a marked improvement in ability to recognize patterns quickly and accurately. Scans of their brains taken before and after the study showed that blood flow increased to an area of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus. This is one of the very few parts of the brain known to create new brain cells. This is an extremely promising development in the field of age-related memory loss.
This may sound like especially exciting news for those who really enjoy the taste of chocolate, but unfortunately, it's not a license to eat as much chocolate as you'd like. The study used a very strong dose of an antioxidant found in the raw bean, concentrated into a drink. There's not enough in chocolate itself to make a difference and excessive amounts are still not recommended if you want to balance your diet. However, for those who are concerned about starting to forget faces and names as they age, the building research that is sure to follow this study holds great promise.
For many of us, chocolate is the solution to a lot of life's problems, or at least provides some comfort on our way through them. As it turns out, it may be even more helpful than we ever knew. The cardiovascular benefits of the flavanols allow the dentate gyrus to generate more new brain cells, increasing visual pattern recognition skills. Researchers believe it follows that this increase in ability may indicate a slow down in loss of cognitive function as we age, or even a potential to reverse any deficit. While more research is needed to figure out how to best apply these discoveries, there's no harm in continuing to enjoy the taste of chocolate in the meantime.