Deep down, we always knew, but science proves that cocoa and caffeine are indeed the best marriage ever. A study was recently completed that explores the powers of these two dark delights. The study examined the “acute effects of brewed cocoa consumption on attention, motivation to do cognitive work, and feelings of anxiety, energy and fatigue.” In a nearly one-year study, subjects drank brewed cocoa, cocoa with caffeine, caffeine without cocoa, and a placebo with no caffeine or cocoa. They were then asked to take tests to evaluate both cognitive tasks and mood.
Cocoa has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which increases cognition and attention. Caffeine alone can increase anxiety. This particular project has found that cocoa reduces caffeine's anxiety-producing effects. A good reason to drink mocha lattes!” The results of the tests are certainly promising and show that cocoa and caffeine are good choices for students and anyone who needs to improve sustained attention.
