Might the tasks have been too simple? When individuals were put through a more demanding set of tasks, such as counting backwards in threes for minutes at a time, “acute improvements in mood and cognitive performance” were seen after consumption of cocoa. When others were given a similar battery of simple tasks after consuming cocoa, again, researchers saw no significant effect. Researchers gave study participants more than a cup of cooked spinach, but saw no immediate boost in their ability to carry out simple tasks. For example, when researchers fed people tart cherries, “despite some indication of improved blood flow,” it didn’t appear to manifest as improved cognitive performance.Īnd, indeed, some of the initial studies were disappointing. At 0:36 in my video, you can see a spot with improved flow within a brain area “ known to be involved in executive functioning.” Improved blood flow doesn’t necessarily translate into improved cognitive function, though. “However, little evidence on the role of NO in brain function in humans exists”-until it was recently put to the test, that is.Īs I discuss in my video Best Brain Foods: Greens and Beets Put to the Test, study participants ate a lot of green leafy vegetables with some beet juice, and then researchers measured their cerebral blood flow. “The production of NO in the brain and its role in the control of neuronal functions has been comprehensively investigated in animals studies.” NO, or nitric oxide, is the “open sesame” molecule that dilates our blood vessels and is boosted by the consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. ![]() Cocoa and nitrite-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens and beets, are put to the test for cognitive function.
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