So imagine my joy (literally) when I stumbled upon a study by Dr. Franz H. Messerli, published in the New England Journal of Medicine that shows a significant connection between a country’s per capita consumption of a dark chocolate and its number of Nobel laureates.
So why is chocolate so powerful? One word: flavonols.
“A subclass of flavonoids called flavanols, which are widely present in cocoa, green tea, red wine, and some fruits, seems to be effective in slowing down or even reversing the reductions in cognitive performance that occur with aging.” Dr. Messerli noted. “Since chocolate consumption could hypothetically improve cognitive function not only in individuals but also in whole populations, I wondered whether there would be a correlation between a country’s level of chocolate consumption and its population’s cognitive function.”
In his study, he discovered that Switzerland leads the world with the most Nobel laureates per capita and consumption of dark chocolate per capita.
I don’t know how many of you aspire to win a Nobel, but it’s good advice for a more productive lifestyle. Who wouldn’t want to eat a tasty treat that boosts their ability to perceive and understand ideas? Studies have shown that it also helps with high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, blood clots, and helps improve cognitive function in elderly people who suffer from mental impairment.
Keep in mind that exercise and a healthy lifestyle are key factors in optimal brain function. But do eat dark chocolate, (sorry milk chocolate) for all the benefits it has to offer.
I know I will!
