“Researchers found out the effect of flavanols in chocolate on memory.”, — write: www.unian.ua
Researchers found out the effect of flavanols in chocolate on memory.
Flavanols, which are part of dark chocolate, really have an effect on memory / photo pxhere.comMost of us have heard that dark chocolate is good for health, but for the most part such information sounded at the level of hearsay. Now scientists have found scientific arguments that can testify to the benefits of dark chocolate, at least for memory. Earth.com writes about it.
Researchers in Japan have found that certain bitter compounds found in cocoa and berries can improve memory by synchronizing with the brain’s natural rhythms. It is not only about the compounds themselves – the exact time when the body reacts to them is important. The results of the new study were published in the journal Current Research in Food Science.
The publication explained what the new discovery means. It is noted that the human brain does not store memories like a computer – it works in stages. Immediately after receiving new information, the brain decides whether to keep it or discard it. This process is called memory consolidation. At this moment, short-term memories either disappear or pass into long-term memory.
During this “window of opportunity,” norepinephrine is activated, which helps mark important information for retention.
During the study, mice were given flavanols (substances found in dark chocolate and berries) about an hour before a memory test. And they showed a result 30% better than those who received only water.
With the help of neuroimaging, the researchers noticed that after taking flavanols, the level of norepinephrine in mice increased. This increase was observed in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, as well as in areas associated with alertness and motivation. The increased level of norepinephrine lasted for about an hour – precisely during the critical period of memory formation.
Previous studies have shown that norepinephrine plays a key role in this process: if it is blocked, the memory deteriorates, if it is strengthened, on the contrary, it improves.
A new study shows that flavanols naturally activate this system – not as a medicine, but as a trigger for the body’s own stress response.
How the body’s “alarm signal” worksDeep in the brain stem is a small cluster of neurons – the blue spot (locus coeruleus). This is the “anxiety” center of the brain. When something seems important, this area turns on and spreads norepinephrine throughout the brain, helping to focus and consolidate new memories.
In the study, this system was clearly responsive to flavanols: in mice given the higher doses, urinary levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine remained elevated for up to 24 hours.
Genes related to stress were activated, and the behavior changed – the mice moved more and looked more alert.
An increase in activity was observed not only in the memory centers, but also in the area of the brain responsible for motivation and reward. This means that flavanols can not only enhance memory, but also increase the brain’s interest in perceiving information.
The taste of chocolate and memoryInterestingly, flavanols are poorly absorbed into the blood. How can they have such an effect?
According to the researchers, it is the taste and sensory sensations that they cause in the mouth and stomach. These bitter, astringent compounds activate nerve endings that transmit signals directly to the brain stem.
This process happens instantly – much faster than absorption through digestion. Signals from taste and intestinal receptors reach the brain in a matter of seconds.
In previous works, the same scientists proved that if these sensory receptors are blocked, the effect of flavanols on the brain disappears. So, the matter is probably not in the compounds themselves, but in the brain’s reaction to their presence.
Can chocolate improve memory?Before buying dark chocolate, it is worth considering several nuances.
Mice in the study were given higher doses of flavanols than a regular serving of chocolate. So it is not known whether multiple pieces of the product will have the same effect. In addition, only the short-term effect of a single dose was studied. But over time, the body can adapt, and the effect will weaken. Excessive stimulation of the “anxiety system” of the brain can also have side effects – increased anxiety or sleep problems.
The study was conducted in adult male mice and in small samples, so the results need to be tested in larger groups and eventually in humans, the scientists say.
The effect of flavanols on the brain Still, there are grounds for cautious optimism. A 2023 study of older adults showed that daily intake of flavanols for a year improved hippocampal-related memory.
A new study helps explain why this happens: If each dose activates a key “memory window,” the effect may accumulate, especially in those who typically get little flavanols from their diet.
Now scientists are asking not “how flavanols get into the brain”, but how the brain reacts to their consumption. This change in approach can open up new ways to use the body’s natural mechanisms rather than fight them.
One hour is the key window. If science confirms it, what you eat an hour before studying or an important meeting can help your brain better remember everything that comes next.
Previously, UNIAN told which chocolate is healthier – dark or milk. According to nutritionists, dark chocolate is usually a more nutritious option due to its higher cocoa content and lower sugar content. However, both types are considered high in calories, so moderation is important when consuming any chocolate.
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