The Claim
A single acute dose of 494 mg cocoa flavanols causes a significant increase in regional cerebral blood flow in healthy older adults aged 50–65 years, specifically in the anterior cingulate cortex and the central opercular cortex of the left parietal lobe, as measured by arterial spin labeling MRI 2 hours after consumption, compared to a control drink containing 23 mg flavanols.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
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.
See the scientific wording
A single acute dose of 494 mg cocoa flavanols causes a significant increase in regional cerebral blood flow in healthy older adults aged 50–65 years, specifically in the anterior cingulate cortex and the central opercular cortex of the left parietal lobe, as measured by arterial spin labeling MRI 2 hours after consumption, compared to a control drink containing 23 mg flavanols.
What the research says
1 studyScientists gave older adults a special cocoa drink with lots of flavanols and found that it increased blood flow to two specific brain areas, compared to a drink with very little flavanol — just like the claim says.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.