Researchers: Some cocoa may improve blood flow in the brain

SAN FRANCISCO -- A nice cup of the right kind of cocoa could hold the promise of promoting brain function as people age.

In an increasingly aging world, medical researchers are seeing more cases of dementia and are looking for ways to make brains work better.

One potential source of help may be flavonols, an antioxidant found in cocoa beans that can increase blood flow to the brain, researchers said Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Ian MacDonald of England's University of Nottingham reported on tests given to young women who were asked to do a complex task while their brains were being studied with magnetic resonance imaging.

Among the women given drinks of cocoa high in flavonols, there was a significant increase in blood flow to the brain compared with subjects who did not drink the cocoa, he said.

This raises the prospect of using flavonols in the treatment of dementia, marked by decreased blood flow in the brain, and in maintaining overall cardiovascular health, he said.

But the cocoa typically sold in markets is low in flavonols, which usually are removed because they impart a bitter taste, Hollenberg said. He also said the findings do not mean people should indulge in chocolate.

"Chocolate is a delight. It can never be a health food because we have a calorie problem," Hollenberg said.

But, he added, in cocoa a lot of fat is removed from the chocolate. "I see a bright future for cocoa," he said.