Dark chocolate and berries could be the ultimate brain-boosting duo; new study reveals

For individuals experiencing memory lapses, stress, or mental fatigue, new research indicates that simple dietary changes, such as eating dark chocolate and berries, can offer noticeable benefits.

A study by the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan found that these foods contain flavanols, natural plant compounds that may significantly improve brain function. Flavanols are known to enhance memory, support learning, and reduce stress by stimulating the central nervous system and protecting brain cells from damage. The researchers suggest that regular, moderate consumption of flavanol-rich foods could help maintain cognitive health, improve concentration, and enhance emotional well-being, offering a delicious and natural way to support brain performance and resilience against everyday stress.

How flavanols in cocoa and berries help improve brain health and memory

Flavanols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in high concentrations in cocoa and berries. These compounds have long been associated with cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Japanese research team found that flavanols not only protect neurons from damage but also act as a stimulant to the central nervous system, improving attention, learning, and memory.

The study highlighted that flavanols function like moderate physical exercise, acting as a mild stressor that prompts beneficial physiological responses.

This includes activating brain regions involved in arousal, attention, and cognitive processing.Dr. Yasuyuki Fujii, leading the study, explained, “Flavanols, even in moderate intake, can elicit stress responses comparable to those of physical exercise, ultimately supporting better mental performance and overall quality of life.”How the taste of flavanols signals the brain to boost learning and activityOne of the intriguing aspects of flavanols is their astringent taste, a dry, puckering sensation experienced in the mouth.

Researchers hypothesised that this sensory input could act as a direct signal to the brain, triggering neurochemical and behavioural responses.In their experiments, 10-week-old mice were given flavanols orally at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight, while control groups received only distilled water. Mice consuming flavanols showed significant improvements in motor activity, exploratory behaviour, and learning ability, suggesting that flavanols positively influence brain function.

How flavanols boost brain chemicals and strengthen the stress response

Flavanols were observed to significantly increase neurotransmitter activity across several brain regions. Dopamine, its precursor levodopa, norepinephrine, and its metabolite normetanephrine were all elevated immediately after flavanol intake. These neurotransmitters are crucial for motivation, focus, arousal, and stress regulation.Furthermore, enzymes critical for neurotransmitter synthesis and transport, including tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), were upregulated.

This enhances the brain’s signalling capacity, particularly within the noradrenaline system, improving responsiveness to stimuli and stressors. The study also examined the effects of flavanols on stress-related physiology.

Biochemical analysis showed higher urinary catecholamine levels, indicating an active stress response. Additionally, there was increased activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a critical brain region for managing stress.Also Read | This everyday fruit is a heart’s best friend: Gastroenterologist expert reveals why it’s a true superfood