Chocolate Boosts Brain Power

If you’re counting calories, chomping on some chocolate might help—boost your cognitive capacity, that is. Cocoa flavanols have already received praise for their depression and cardiovascular disease-fighting capabilities, but now scientists are exploring their brain-powering potential. In a recent study at the Brain, Performance, and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University, participants who consumed very high levels of cocoa flavanols prior to crunching numbers performed significantly better than control subjects. Researchers credit the results to increased cerebral blood flow and improved concentration. The conclusion? Chowing down on some chocolate as you calculate your taxes may not be such a bad idea!