A new study suggests that flavanols in foods like dark chocolate and red wine may stimulate the brain and improve memory through a sensory response tied to their bitter taste, similar to the effects of exercise. Researchers found that low doses of flavanols increased brain activity and improved memory performance in mice, potentially influencing the brain and heart by stimulating sensory nerves. This research is part of the emerging field of sensory nutrition.
The dry, puckering sensation you get from dark chocolate, red wine, tea or berries could actually be activating your brain in a way similar to exercise, according to a new study. New research from Japan suggests that flavanols — plant compounds found in these foods — may stimulate the brain not by being absorbed into the bloodstream, but by triggering a sensory response tied to their bitter taste .
'The key finding of this experiment is that it first demonstrated how flavanol intake stimulation — likely the bitter taste — is transmitted to the central nervous system, triggering a stress response reaction that enhances short-term memory and produces beneficial effects on the circulatory system,' professor Naomi Osakabe of Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan told Fox News Digital. EXERCISE AFFECTS THE HEART IN A HIDDEN, POWERFUL WAY BY REWIRING NERVES, STUDY FINDS 'It was surprising that flavanol's brain activity-enhancing effect occurred at a very low dose.' In experiments on mice, a single dose of flavanols increased spontaneous activity and improved performance on memory tests, according to the study published in Current Research in Food Science. Researchers also observed rapid activation of brain regions involved in attention, arousal and stress regulation. SITTING ALL DAY? NEW STUDY SAYS CERTAIN FOODS MAY PROTECT YOUR HEART FROM DAMAGE Because very little of the flavanols people consume actually enter the bloodstream, researchers believe they may instead influence the brain and heart by stimulating sensory nerves. The researchers describe the concept as part of an emerging field known as sensory nutrition, the idea that the taste and physical sensations of food may directly regulate biological functions. This could eventually lead to new types of foods that combine appealing taste and beneficial physiological effects. The response resembles what happens during mild exercise, which is a temporary activation of the sympathetic nervous system sometimes described as a fight-or-flight response. This type of short-term stress can sharpen focus and alertness. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER 'While it is clear that healthy foods contribute to maintaining and enhancing homeostasis, the mechanisms remain largely unclear,' Osakabe said. 'Notably, this study identified the potential for the taste of food components to regulate biological functions.' The study does have limitations because the research was conducted on animals, and foods are complex mixtures of many compounds that may interact with one another. Larger, human studies are needed to determine whether the effects seen in mice also occur in people. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES 'I do not believe people, including most doctors, are aware that a taste of a specific molecule or compound can rapidly trigger major changes in the brain,' Dr. Johnson Moon, a neurologist at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in California, previously told Fox News Digital regarding sensory nutrition. More data is needed before foods like dark chocolate can be recommended, especially because calories, sugar and fat could outweigh the benefits, Moon said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Still, Osakabe noted that previous long-term human studies on cocoa flavanols have suggested cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. For now, she recommends a balanced, plant-forward diet. 'I believe consuming plant-based foods like cocoa, berries and red wine, along with fruits and vegetables, can help maintain health,' she said. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Major health organizations say that if adults choose to drink alcohol, they should do so in moderation — up to one drink per day for women and two for men — and emphasize that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
Flavanols Brain Function Memory Sensory Nutrition Bitter Taste
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taste of Edgewater, where local spots are filled with community connections and signature flavorsMaggy Wolanske is a multimedia journalist with Denver7.
Read more »
Taste Utah Bytes - Salt Lake CountyKaty Sine with Taste Utah is back at Fonsi to take a look at the sweeter side of their menu.At Fonsi, simple, decadent and traditional Italian cuisine is at t
Read more »
Report reveals SPD bias may have escalated May Day rallyListen to The Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show weekdays 9am - noon on KIRO Newsradio.
Read more »
Lancaster Welcomes Rhonemus Cellars: A Taste of Wine CountryRhonemus Cellars, a new winery, restaurant, and event space, opens in Lancaster, Ohio, offering a wine-country experience inspired by Napa Valley and Monticello. In other news, a multi-vehicle crash on I-71 northbound resulted in critical injuries, and Central Ohio Urology Group introduces a new treatment for BPH. Also, the family of Carter Edell continues their search for answers.
Read more »
Wuthering Heights: A Review From Someone Who May or May Not Have Read the BookA review of Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation, highlighting the film's sensuality and the reviewer's unfiltered thoughts, humorously comparing the experience to personal dating app preferences and critiquing various aspects of the movie's portrayal.
Read more »
Certain bitter foods may trigger a brain response similar to working out, study findsFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »