The guilty pleasure that could help ward off Alzheimer's and memory loss
13.08.2023 - 06:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Snacking on chocolate is widely considered to be a guilty pleasure by most.
But the sweet treat could actually help us ward off memory loss, according to new research.
While that may sound too good to be true, Harvard University brought the welcome news following a study involving 3,500 adults.
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The participants, mostly in their 70s, received a daily 500mg flavanol supplement or a dummy pill for three years.
Flavanols are plant-derived antioxidants that are found in many fruits, vegetables, tea and cocoa.
These powerful compounds neutralise harmful molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells in the body – a process thought to play a key role in many serious diseases including Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
During the study, volunteers were made to perform several memory tests and filled in surveys on their diet.
Memory scores improved only slightly for the group taking the flavanol pill.
However, bigger benefits were seen among those who had a poor diet and low flavanol consumption at the beginning of the study.
Results showed their memory scores improved by around 10 per cent more than their peers taking a placebo.
To notice an improvement in memory, individuals would need to consume at least 500mg of flavanols every day.
According to nutrition experts, consuming 500mg of flavanols per day can easily be done through diet.
This could be equivalent to one mug of tea, six squares of dark chocolate, a couple of servings of berries and apples.
“The evidence that flavonoids are good for heart and brain health is growing all the time, and dark chocolate is one good source of these compounds,” says