Dark chocolate can sharpen memory in an hour by flipping on the brain’s alarm system
Dark chocolate could sharpen memory within an hour, a new study suggests. Bitter plant compounds found naturally in cocoa, apples, berries and red wine may temporarily boost memory by activating the brain’s internal alarm system. Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan studied flavanols, plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant properties, and suggested they may trigger a rapid brain response.
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Flavanols spark a brain alarm as noradrenaline surges in mice
Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan found that when mice consumed flavanols — plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant properties — their brains released a surge of noradrenaline, a chemical linked to alertness and focus. “Flavanols exhibit an astringent taste,” lead researcher Yasuyuki Fujii said in a statement. “We hypothesized that this taste serves as a stimulus, transmitting signals directly to the central nervous system.” The team believes this reaction triggers a physiological response throughout the body through the sympathetic nervous system, Fujii added. That’s the same network that governs alertness and stress responses. The mice were given a “novel object recognition” test, in which they explored two identical objects for about 10 minutes.
Memory boost within an hour on flavanols
In the memory test, the flavanol group performed about 30% better on a memory test within an hour compared with untreated mice, according to the findings, which were published in October in Current Research in Food Science. The researchers also found that the flavanol group exhibited greater motor activity and exploratory behavior. The flavanol mechanism at work appeared to be taste-based, rather than dependent on chemical absorption, the scientists said.
Taste-based signals reach the brainstem via the locus coeruleus
The mouth-puckering sensation of flavanols, which make dark chocolate and strong tea taste slightly bitter, may trigger sensory nerves that communicate directly with the brainstem, the study found. This triggers a small region of the brain called the locus coeruleus, which releases noradrenaline and helps the brain retain new information.
Implications for memory and the limits of bioavailability
The research helps explain why previous studies in older adults have linked diets rich in flavanols to improved memory. Instead of acting like nutrients that protect brain cells, the compounds may stimulate the body’s alert systems, enhancing learning and focus. “Stress responses elicited by flavanols in this study are similar to those elicited by physical exercise,” Fujii said. “Thus, moderate intake of flavanols, despite their poor bioavailability, can improve the health and quality of life.” The “poor bioavailability” means that only a small fraction is absorbed after people eat foods like cocoa or berries. The doses given to the mice, however, were much higher than what a typical serving of dark chocolate or berries contains.
Caution, expert opinions and the need for human testing
Dr. Johnson Moon, a neurologist at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in California, noted that while a standard dark chocolate bar might contain enough flavanols to boost memory, its calories, sugar and fat could outweigh the benefits. “I do not believe we have enough data yet to recommend [that] consuming dark chocolate is a safe and effective way to improve memory,” Moon told Fox News Digital. “Nonetheless, he said the findings are of “high interest.”” “I do not believe people, including most doctors, are aware that a taste of a specific molecule or compound can rapidly trigger major changes in the brain,” he said. Further research on “sensory nutrition” could expand understanding of what foods and drinks can do for the mind, he added. Fox News Digital reached out to the study’s authors for comment. What do you think? Post a comment. “If it turns out to be an effective and safe way to temporarily boost our brain power, I may be eating a bit more dark chocolate.”
