Bite of dark chocolate could sharpen your memory within an hour, study suggests

Fox News ^ | 11/10/2025 | Deirdre Bardolf

[Omnivore-Dan]

Certain bitter plant compounds — the kind found naturally in cocoa, apples, berries and red wine — may temporarily boost memory by activating the brain's internal "alarm system," a new study suggests.

Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan found that when mice consumed flavanols — plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant properties — their brains released a surge of noradrenaline, a chemical linked to alertness and focus.

Within an hour, the animals performed about 30% better on a memory test compared with untreated mice, according to the findings, which were published in October in the journal Current Research in Food Science.

[imardmd1]

Maybe six months ago, I read somewhere that adding cacao powder to coffee improves your mood and mental sharpness.

Like you, i've been using the natural unroasted cacao bean flour for a long timem usualy a teaspoon of it in my mug of coffee. I imagine the roasting of cacao beans to make cocoa for chocolates must diminish the flavoid content, so the cacao is probably better *and no sugar).

I often fill my 20-oz mug with microwaving a cup of milk, then adding a double tablespoon of cacao and a hefty amount of cinnamon plus two packages of Stevia sweetener, stirring it up to wet all the powder; then filling the mug the rest of the way with milk and nuking it another two minutes to get a piping hot (healthy) chocolate flavor drink.

Being sad is not a regular thing with me, although circumstances can be challenging. Maybethe cacao helps, but it does add more pleasure to my day.

[imardmd1]

Just make sure your “honey” doesn’t say China on the label.

[doorgunner69]

No thanks, do not want.

[doorgunner69]

Never been a chocolate or red wine fan, but have a good memory. My wife hates how I remember stuff.
She would be interested in something that dulls it.

[CaptainK]

Thanks. I’ll look into it.

[No name given]

I don’t think white chocolate does either.

[trebb]

Roger that

[Red Badger]

So If I eat dark chocolate and deprive my brain of oxygen I’ll get really smart?..................

[SunkenCiv]

Best way is to eat the entire dark chocolate bar while underwater.

[ConservativeMind]

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[MayflowerMadam]

I just picked up 100% cacao powder and am going to try some in my coffee today.

I drink coffee strong and black, so it’ll be interesting to see how it will taste with bitter chocolate added... ???

[AppyPappy]

Dark Chocolate and coffee are a morning wonder drug

[wally_bert]

Bookmarked for future reference.

[PUGACHEV]

Strangely, I hardly taste the difference between my coffee with or without it. OTOH, I am drinking Kuerig coffee so maybe nothing could make it better or worse.

[MayflowerMadam]

“I hardly taste the difference between my coffee with or without it. OTOH, I am drinking Kuerig coffee so maybe nothing could make it better or worse.”

I just tried it, and agree. It just tastes like stronger coffee, and I prefer strong coffee. Also with a Keurig machine, using Kirkland Pacific Bold pods.

I was sad when opening the chocolate container, that it’s cardboard. I was expecting the metal container like when I was a kid. 🫤

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Had one of our Semi-Annual Shopping Sprees yesterday with my BFFs of 45+ years. One of our MANDATORY stops is at the Lindt Chocolate Outlet where we stocked up - by the POUND on their Truffles for the Holidays. We've got it covered! :)

As a long-time Retail Manager, these people are GENIUS at marketing their chocolates. Who could resist this? Sellin' the SIZZLE, Baby; not the steak!