Chocolate improves brain performance

Nice! Chocolate can help my brain to function better? According to a new study at Oxford, it just may. Well, sign me up. This is the kind of study I think we can all appreciate.

From the University of Oxford website:

The team from Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Norway examined the relation between cognitive performance and the intake of three common foodstuffs that contain flavonoids (chocolate, wine, and tea) in 2,031 older people (aged between 70 and 74).

Participants filled in information about their habitual food intake and underwent a battery of cognitive tests.Those who consumed chocolate, wine, or tea had significantly better mean test scores and lower prevalence of poor cognitive performance than those who did not. The team reported their findings in the Journal of Nutrition.

The role of micronutrients in age-related cognitive decline is being increasingly studied. Fruits and beverages such as tea, red wine, cocoa, and coffee are major dietary sources of polyphenols, micronutrients found in plant-derived foods. The largest subclass of dietary polyphenols is flavonoids, and it has been reported in the past that those who consume lots of flavonoids have a lower incidence of dementia.

Who would have guessed that chocolate could have this benefit. Excuse me now while I go enjoy a cup of brewed chocolate and raise my cognitive performance.

Chocolate superheroes – New York Chocolate Fashion Show

The possibilities of chocolate never cease to amaze me. What other food can make you feel good, have wonderful health benefits, bring a smile to children and adults alike, and turn models into superheroes. Yes, you heard me right. models, superheroes… chocolate couture.

With a flair for the dramatic and an other worldly motif, the chocolate show was back in New York. The theme for last month’s fashion show was superheroes. Chocolatiers and fashion designers teamed up to make extraordinary chocolate creations. Batman, look out!

A first grader’s take on chocolate

We all know the experience of chocolate as an adult. For some a sinful delight. For others a craving that must be satisfied. And others a healthy snack. We are happy, satiated, indulged, relaxed and content. The five senses tickled. But what about the little ones amongst us. We’ve seen the smiling faces, a streak of chocolate on faces and fingers. Yes, they love candy, but what does chocolate mean to them? For this I went to the source and consulted an expert. So, here’s a First Grader’s take on chocolate:

Chocolate is sometimes kinda like coffee because of the color. Chocolate has a mixture of water and chocolate inside it. Chocolate is tasty. My favorite part is that it is sweet. I like chocolate because it is brown, like my hair. Sometimes I don’t like chocolate because it is for grown-ups. Chocolate ice cream is my favorite.

And then the interview was over. She adultly announced that she was done and had to go back to her homework. And I smiled.