GET READY TO BE A GENIUS: DARK CHOCOLATE MAKES YOU SMARTER

It’s no secret that high-quality dark chocolate and cacao basically have superpowers. And now new research indicates the sweet stuff not only makes you feel better (seriously, it’s a proven PMS-buster), but also may actually be good for your brain.

According to data gathered from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study and published in the journal Appetite earlier this month, eating chocolate is positively associated with cognitive brain function. (The study also looked at the dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors of more than 900 people between 23 and 98 years old.)

The researchers found that those who engaged in habitual chocolate eating were found to have stronger cognitive performance on visual-spatial memory, working memory, and abstract reasoning tests. In other words, your love of cacao truffles might be the reason why you dominate Words With Friends.

But don’t go breaking off a piece of that Kit Kat bar just yet.

Chocolate’s positive effects are largely due to its cocoa flavanols, which are most prominent in dark chocolate, Medical Daily reports. Milk and white chocolate, on the other hand, have significantly fewer flavanols. So although the study didn’t differentiate between chocolate types (or quantity), it’s safe to assume your best bet is to stick with the dark stuff.

Dark chocolate as a sweet treat? More like brain food.

Got a meeting or exam to prep for? Get a brain boost with these healthy chocolate desserts, or any of these surprisingly savory cacao dishes. But stock up soon: A shortage may be on the way.

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http://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/dark-chocolate-makes-you-smarter/