Could improve brain function

Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste great while also providing numerous health benefits. By increasing blood flow, cocoa and dark chocolate may improve brain function. In one study of healthy volunteers, eating high flavonol cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain.

Cocoa may also improve cognitive function significantly in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may also improve verbal fluency and a number of risk factors for disease. Furthermore, cocoa contains stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine, which may be one of the reasons why it can improve brain function in the short term.