The cocoa compounds can prevent from mental decline in old age

A diet rich in cocoa could help stave off dementia-like memory loss in the elderly, new research suggests.

Scientists found that cocoa bean flavanols, which are naturally created dietary compounds found within the cocoa bean, enhanced the cognitive abilities of older people.

In a study performed on 37 participants aged between 50 and 69, either a high or a low dose of cocoa flavanols was given to them over three months.

In a delayed-recognition memory task, those who had consumed a high dose performed much faster than those who received a low dose. (MTI)