Effects of chocolate on cognitive function in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials
The term “cognitive function” describes one’s capacity to carry out deliberate mental labor. Research has demonstrated that consuming foods rich in flavanols, such as chocolate, can have neurobiological effects and enhance learning, memory, and overall cognitive function. Based on a review of existing studies, this study by Shateri et al. (2024) sought to investigate the effects of frequent chocolate intake on cognitive performance in healthy people. In order to find randomized controlled studies evaluating the long-term impacts of chocolate on cognitive function, researchers used the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) approach to thoroughly search databases such as Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (up to February 2021). Seven trials meeting the eligibility criteria were identified from an initial pool of 340 articles. The main measure of effect was the difference in means between the last and first cognitive function assessments in the control and intervention groups. Quantitative data analysis revealed that long-term chocolate consumption significantly reduced executive function time while improving language and executive function. Subgroup analysis was not feasible due to insufficient trials and significant heterogeneity among studies. In conclusion, daily cocoa consumption may lead to short and medium-term cognitive performance improvements in young adults, enhancing learning, memory, and attention. [NPID: Chocolate, cocoa, cognition, meta-analysis, review]
Year: 2023
