If you’re one of the millions of chocolate lovers, here is some more good news for you. A while back we reported on dark chocolate’s ability to lower blood pressure and its high antioxidant content. Now researchers have discovered that this luscious treat may also help to boost your brain power.

Dr. Raudenbush of Wheeling Jesuit University studied the effects of chocolate on memory, attention span, reaction time and problem solving. After ingesting 85 grams of chocolate, participant’s scores for verbal and visual memory increased. Impulse control and reaction time were also improved.

Chocolate contains several substances, such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which stimulate mental function. Researchers also believe that some of the nutrients may assist the release of glucose and increase blood flow, thereby further enhancing cognitive abilities.

“Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious,

a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. it is the

best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits.”

Baron Justus von Liebig (1803-1873) German chemist