Bitter Taste May Boost Brain Power Like Exercise

New findings from Japan indicate that flavanols, plant compounds present in items such as dark chocolate, berries, and tea, might stimulate the brain through their bitter taste. This stimulation is thought to trigger a stress response that enhances short-term memory and benefits the circulatory system. Researchers observed that even a low dose of flavanols increased spontaneous brain activity and improved memory test performance in mice.

The study highlights the emerging concept of sensory nutrition, proposing that the taste and physical sensations of food can directly influence biological functions. This suggests that the brain and heart may be influenced by sensory nerves rather than significant absorption into the bloodstream. While promising, the research was conducted on animals, and human studies are needed to confirm these effects.