Morgan BellChocolate: Live longer, get smarter
May 30th 2006 12:35
Mmm, brain food
The study found that chocolate consumption enhances cognitive performance by measuring the effect of white, milk and dark chocolate on cognitive performance, mood and task workload. According to Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, who led the study at WJU, "composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions. Consumption of milk or dark chocolate showed improved impulse control and reaction time.
“These findings provide support for nutrient release via chocolate consumption to enhance cognitive performance,” Dr Raudenbush said.
Besides making you smarter, chocolate may also promote longevity, according to another study conducted earlier this year. The study was conducted by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, and surveyed 470 men aged above 65 over a 15 year period.
“The men in the group that consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa…and men in the study who consumed the most cocoa were less likely to die of any cause,” lead researcher Brian Buijsse, told the New Scientist. This finding was consistent even after other factors such as smoking, physical exercise and weight were taken into consideration
However, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) remains sceptical, reminding us that while dark chocolate may have its benefits, we have not yet investigated any long-term clinical effects. Adverse effects of chocolate include obesity and possibly depression.
(image from flickr.com)
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