Is Chocolate Really Better For The Brain Than Exercising?

With super foods taking the lead in health conversations, the discovery of certain properties has lead researchers to discover benefits we never knew could be possible. In this case, a recent study revealed that eating chocolate might be more efficient for the brain than hitting the gym. Scientists at Columbia University and NYU discovered that by giving a group of healthy 50 to 69 year old patients a high daily dose of flavanols (extracted from cocoa powder) for three months increased their memory function. Those who went to the gym alternatively, showed no similar signs of improvement. However we’re not all that convinced, and neither is the Oxford University Press. In an article the article published in their blog, they explain why they’re not sold on the idea. “This finding is not only inconsistent with the broad literature on this topic but is also a surprising failure by these scientists to replicate their own previous findings.”

While the real health benefits of cocoa flavanols have been extensively studied, the results have been slim to none. The other catch in the study is that in order to obtain a single gram of flavanols each day, the subject would have to intake at least a kilogram of pure cocoa powder or about 44 pounds of chocolate candy (since chocolate found in the average candy bar has only about 5-7% cocoa powder). Therefore, we do not recommend that anyone substitutes their daily dose of aerobics for a hot cup of cocoa, and much less for a kg of cocoa powder! If you're craving some good news, we recommend you click here.