Daijiworld Media Network - Tokyo

Tokyo, Nov 2: Indulging in a little dark chocolate or a handful of berries might do more than just satisfy your cravings it could help sharpen your memory and reduce stress levels, according to a recent study from Japan’s Shibaura Institute of Technology.

The research, published in the journal Current Research in Food Science, found that flavanols compounds richly present in cocoa and berries can enhance brain function, boost memory, and even mimic some of the physiological benefits of exercise.

Dr. Yasuyuki Fujii, who led the study, explained that flavanol intake acts as a “mild stressor” that stimulates the central nervous system, improving attention, arousal, and memory. “Stress responses elicited by flavanols in this study are similar to those caused by physical exercise. Thus, moderate intake of flavanols can improve overall health and quality of life,” he said.

To explore the effects, researchers conducted experiments on 10-week-old mice, administering flavanols in controlled doses. The results were striking the flavanol-fed mice showed higher levels of motor activity, curiosity, learning, and memory compared to the control group.

The study also revealed that flavanols enhanced neurotransmitter activity in several brain regions. Levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and their precursors key chemicals responsible for motivation, attention, and stress regulation were significantly elevated.

Additionally, enzymes responsible for noradrenaline synthesis and transport were found to be upregulated, indicating stronger signalling in the brain’s stress-response system.

Biochemical analyses further confirmed increased activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a brain region that governs stress regulation, along with higher urinary levels of catecholamines hormones released during stress.

The findings suggest that enjoying flavanol-rich foods like dark chocolate and berries in moderation could offer a natural way to support cognitive function and manage stress a sweet treat with real brain benefits.