Good Chocolate News!

Is this too good to be true? Boston based researchers have reported that flavanol-rich chocolate may boost blood flow in the brain and reduce the risk of progressive deterioration of intellectual functions such as memory and stroke. The study, examining 34 healthy elderly volunteers, showed that two weeks of regular flavanol rich cocoa consumption, providing 900mg of cocoa flavanols, resulted in a significant increase in peak brain blood flow response in the middle brain. Although the study sample was small, the results reinforce previously published research in healthy young women, and suggest that flavanol-rich cocoa intake directly increases blood flow in the brain. The link between cocoa flavanols and heart health is thought to be through the improved blood flow via increased production of nitric oxide, a molecule that tells muscles to relax. The researchers think that the beneficial effects from cocoa that are seen in the brain depend on this improved production of nitric oxide. (Reference: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. Volume 4, Pages 433-440“Cerebral blood flow response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans” Authors: F.A. Sorond, L.A. Lipsitz, N.K. Hollenberg, N.D.L. Fisher) Although this is interesting research coming through, it is worth noting firstly the sample size was small, secondly no control group was included and finally the study was supported by confectionery giant Mars. This doesn't necessarily mean the work is suspect, but it should be noted! Even if cocoa flavanols boost the blood flow in the brain and are beneficial for heart health, overweight and obesity do not improve heart health. Extra weight simply puts strain on the heart. Chocolates have a high fat and kilo joule (calorie) content and eating too many chocolates can lead to overweight and obesity. Remember it’s important to find the balance!