Drinking Hot Chocolate Can Actually Boost Intelligence, Finds Study

In news that really is music to my ears, it turns out that drinking hot choc may provide a temporary boost to your intelligence - any excuse to try out one of these Hot Chocolate 'Charcuterie' Boards...

How do we know this? Well, a team of researchers at the University of Birmingham conducted a study of 18 men to understand how the antioxidants in cocoa can affect the brain.

Firstly, the men were exposed to raised (but safe) levels of 5% carbon dioxide, which is known to reduce circulation to the brain and cause something called hypercapnia, which can lead to mild disorientation before being asked to complete certain complex tasks. 

The study was carried out twice and noted that those who drank cocoa rich in flavanols (antioxidants) performed both better and faster.

Lead author, Dr Catarina Rendeiro, said: “Our results showed a clear benefit for the participants taking the flavanol-enriched drink, but only when the task became sufficiently complicated.”

"We can link this with our results on improved blood oxygenation. If you're being challenged more, your brain needs improved blood oxygen levels to manage that challenge.

"It also further suggests flavanols might be particularly beneficial during cognitively demanding tasks.”

One group of men in the study had high levels of oxygen, with the results showing that they did not benefit from drinking the cocoa. 

"This may indicate some individuals, that perhaps are already very fit, have little room for further improvement," Dr Rendeiro continued.

"The small group of participants who did not react to the flavanol gives us additional evidence to confirm the link between increased brain blood oxygenation and cognitive ability.”

"We used cocoa in our experiment, but flavanols are extremely common in a wide range of fruit and vegetables," said Dr Rendeiro.

"By better understanding the cognitive benefits of eating these food groups, as well as the wider cardiovascular benefits, we can offer improved guidance to people about how to make the most of their dietary choices."

So it would probably be healthier to munch on some fruit and veg rather than downing large quantities of hot chocolate… but where’s the fun in that!? 

Get all sorts of great discounts on chocolatey treats with TOTUM. From 10% off at Hotel Chocolat to great deals with Cadbury Direct and 15% off beautiful homemade chocolates with Tilly Wonka, indulge your sweet tooth this festive season with TOTUM. 

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