Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in acute improvements in mood and cognitive performance during sustained mental effort
Key Finding
Cocoa flavanols acutely improved cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue during sustained mental effort.
Plain-English Summary
This randomized, controlled, double-blind study examined cocoa flavanols on cognitive performance and mood during sustained mental effort in 30 healthy adults. Participants consumed drinks with varying flavanol concentrations.
Higher cocoa flavanol consumption significantly improved serial subtraction task performance and reduced mental fatigue during prolonged cognitive testing. Self-reported mental fatigue was also lower and calmness was increased.
Cocoa flavanols, particularly epicatechin, enhance cerebral blood flow by stimulating nitric oxide production. This improved blood flow delivers more oxygen and glucose to active brain regions during demanding tasks. Cocoa flavanols also cross the blood-brain barrier and have direct neuroprotective effects. Regular consumption is associated with reduced cognitive decline risk in longitudinal studies.