What is this ingredient known for?
Dark chocolate has become better known for its health benefits, especially for the heart.
Why are we using it in Power On?
Function #1: Chocolate flavonols may increase cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue.
Some evidence suggests that cocoa flavonols may improve acute cognitive function. One randomized, blinded, double-blinded trial with 30 healthy adult subjects reported increased acute cognitive performance in the areas of attention and concentration in tests. Decreased self-reported mental fatigue were also reported in this study.
Scholey A, French S, Morris P, Kennedy D, Milne A, Haskell C. Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in acute improvements in mood and cognitive performance during sustained mental effort. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2009;24(10):1505-1514. doi:10.1177/0269881109106923.
Function #2: Chocolate flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.
Multiple studies have shown that chocolate bean flavonols increase nitric oxide production, which increases blood flow. One particular study that was highly referenced in the news showed that consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa boosted blood flow to key areas of the brain for 2 - 3 hours in 16 healthy subjects using functional MRI scans.
Francis S, Head K, Morris P, Macdonald I. The Effect of Flavanol-rich Cocoa on the fMRI Response to a Cognitive Task in Healthy Young People. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 2006;47(Supplement 2):S215-S220. doi:10.1097/00005344-200606001-00018.
Why this form?
Power On contains a proprietary chocolate extract with concentrated flavanols.
Can be found in:
Chocolate, cocoa beans, etc.