A 2017 review of research has concluded that, although the number of studies into the cognitive effects of the cocoa bean is limited and has produced mixed results, on balance the evidence points to positive cognitive effects from regular intake of “cocoa flavanols”, as well as immediate benefits from consumption.

General cognition, attention, processing speed, and memory, have all shown benefits from regular consumption, particularly in those who are operating under some difficulty, such as older adults (and even more so for older adults with mild cognitive impairment). Immediate benefits occur particularly in demanding conditions, such as when you are fatigued or sleep deprived.

Cocoa flavanols have beneficial effects for cardiovascular health and can increase cerebral blood volume in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, an area particularly affected by aging.