You may not aspire to be the next best-selling author, or be the scientist who finds the cure for cancer, but you probably want to sound sharp when you’re in a business meeting or at brunch with your friends.

Nourishing your brain is one of the most important things you can do for your health. That’s where chocolate comes to save the day. Yes, you read that correctly… chocolate can help you snack your way to a smarter you. Here’s why… and all the details on how much is the right amount. 

Here’s a silly fact…The places that consumed the most chocolate were the same places that have the most Nobel Prize winners in the world. In all seriousness, the flavonoids in dark chocolate have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are shown to intensify cognitive function and performance. 

Next time you are scouring the pantry looking for a sweet treat, grab a square of dark chocolate! Here are results from a few shocking studies to prove that chocolate helps keep your brain fit:

• 1 ounce of 70% cacao had an increase in brain activity related to memory and cognition.

• 48 g 70% cacao consumption with a concentration of antioxidant activity is associated with subsequent gamma wave increase in the cerebral cortical brain

• The higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects

• High-potency cacao has significant effects on things like cognition, mood, cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, and blood vessel function.

Yup, dark chocolate enhances neuroplasticity and brain health. The key is to find high-quality dark chocolate that’s free of added fat or sugars.