Chocolate may provide a short-term boost of cognitive skills and sharpen the mind, according to University of Nottingham researchers . The researchers suggested that flavanols, a compound present in chocolate as well as certain fruits and vegetables, may help people fight fatigue, the effects of aging, or sleep deprivation.

Chocolate has a key role in boosting blood flow to certain areas of the brain that lead to an improvement of brain performance for two or three hours, according to Ian Macdonald, lead author of the study.

The results showed that some ingredients in chocolate may be used for treating dementia, vascular impairment, or strokes. They may also be useful for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Macdonald detected increased activity in certain areas of the brain for people who consumed a drink of cocoa rich in flavanol with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

There are other sources of flovanol, beside chocolate. It may also be found in red wine, blueberries, or green tea. Researchers proved the effect of the high-flavanol cocoa drink on cerebral blood flow and suggested that some ingredients may enhance brain function especially for people who suffer from sleep deprivation or fatigue.

The cocoa beverage rich in flavanol was specially created for the purpose of the study and is not available in stores, says Macdonald. The beverage is efficient because it allows more blood to circulate throw blood vessels, and key areas of the brain receive more oxygen.

The results of the study were presented to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) from San Francisco.