Eating a lot of cocoa flavanols (almost half a gram) might boost blood flow to certain parts of the brain in older adults, but eating just a tiny bit (23 mg) doesn’t do anything — so more seems to make a difference.

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Pro

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

48

Community contributions welcome

48

The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo controlled, crossover, acute trial

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2015 Sep

Scientists gave older adults two different kinds of cocoa drinks—one with a lot of healthy plant compounds (494 mg) and one with very little (23 mg). Only the strong drink made more blood flow to parts of the brain, showing that more of these compounds = better brain blood flow.

Contradicting (0)

0

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo controlled, crossover, acute trial

Score: 48

DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3972-4

Similar Assertions

When older adults eat a specific amount of cocoa flavanols, blood flow in certain parts of their brain goes up—but only in those areas, and not because they just think it should work or because their body is reacting to anything else.

48

0

91%

Eating a specific amount of cocoa flavanols doesn’t change blood flow in the brain unless you’re also consuming other flavanol-rich foods — even if the chocolate tastes and looks the same and has the same calories and stimulants.

0

48

90%

Eating a chocolate drink with a lot of cocoa flavanols can make more blood flow to certain parts of the brain in people aged 50 to 65, and this effect shows up about two hours later—compared to a drink with very little cocoa.

48

0

89%

Eating a specific amount of dark chocolate compounds can make more blood flow to your brain—even when you're just sitting still and not thinking hard—suggesting it might naturally help your blood vessels work better.

48

0

83%

Eating cocoa with flavanols might boost blood flow to a part of your brain that helps you form memories, like when you're trying to remember names or facts.

48

51

78%