Bad news for chocolate lovers; cocoa doesn't boost cognitive performance

A daily supplement of cocoa extract does not necessarily have beneficial effects on cognitive function, except in people with a poor-quality diet, research reveals. — AFP

FROM well-being to brain function and protection against free radicals, cocoa has been credited with many benefits for physical and mental health.

But are they all justified? Numerous studies have explored the subject, with mixed conclusions. The latest research is likely to disappoint chocolate lovers, since a daily supplement of cocoa extract was found to have no benefit on cognitive function, except in people with a poor-quality diet.