Does chocolate make your brain blood flow better?
The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo controlled, crossover, acute trial
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The effect was region-specific — only two brain areas showed increased flow, not the whole brain.
Most assume if something boosts blood flow, it’s global — but this shows the brain’s vascular system is finely tuned, and flavanols target memory-related regions like a precision tool.
Practical Takeaways
Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (high in flavanols) to a smoothie or oatmeal daily — aim for at least 400 mg of flavanols.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The effect was region-specific — only two brain areas showed increased flow, not the whole brain.
Most assume if something boosts blood flow, it’s global — but this shows the brain’s vascular system is finely tuned, and flavanols target memory-related regions like a precision tool.
Practical Takeaways
Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (high in flavanols) to a smoothie or oatmeal daily — aim for at least 400 mg of flavanols.
Publication
Journal
Psychopharmacology
Year
2015
Authors
D. Lamport, Deepa Pal, C. Moutsiana, D. Field, C. Williams, J. Spencer, L. Butler
Related Content
Claims (6)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.