Study reveals dark chocolate temporarily improves memory by 30% within an hour

Dark chocolate contains a compound called flavanols, which help improve memory and concentration.

Dark chocolate is more than a rich indulgence. It has brain-boosting benefits too! A study from Japan published in Current Research in Food Science found that the compounds present in dark chocolate, called flavanols, which give it the bitter taste, may temporarily sharpen memory and alertness. The previous findings did show that eating flavonol-rich foods helps in better recall, but this study shows a clear picture as to why that happens.

What did the study find?

The experiment included giving mice flavanols before a learning task. Their memory was improved by 30 per cent. But the effect was only for an hour or so, when the brain's hippocampus, the region associated with memory, becomes active. The compound called flavanol triggers a chain reaction which sets off brain's built-in alarm system.

This boost happened in one hour. The compound triggered a brain region called the locus coeruleus. It is like the brain's alarm system. Next, it released noradrenaline, which is the chemical that increases focus and helps to store memories. It boosts memory for the short term. The bitter taste momentarily awakens your brain and improves your memory by making you more alert.

But does it mean the same for people?

Inattentive students can benefit from a bite of dark chocolate when studying. (Freepik)

However, the findings may not be equally applicable to humans, as the mice were given much higher dosages of flavanols than what one can get from dark chocolate. Further, the benefits are only short-term, around one hour. But eating dark chocolate before studying may help in focus because it keeps you alert by activating the brain's built-in alarm system. For human-level memory improvement, such as better retention and recall, the dosage of dark chocolate may not be adequate, but the flavanols do help in better concentration.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.