Emerging research from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation suggests cocoa flavanols may enhance cognitive function and learning in adults. While studies have focused on aging populations, findings also indicate benefits for young adult brains. For workplace learning and development professionals, this highlights an untapped opportunity to incorporate cocoa as a brain-boosting ingredient in training programs.
Cocoa contains abundant flavanols like epicatechin that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
What is the evidence so far?
Evidence reveals these flavanols compounds:
- Increase blood flow to the brain by stimulating nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Enhanced cerebrovascular circulation provides more oxygen and glucose to energize neurons.
- Interact with cell signaling pathways involved in neuroplasticity and long-term potentiation – key processes for establishing memories.
- Boost levels of BDNF, a protein supporting neuron health and synaptic plasticity.
- Improve connectivity between brain regions. fMRI scans show increased activity in areas engaged for a cognitive task after ingesting cocoa flavanols.
How does it work?
Research documents cognitive enhancements following both acute and regular cocoa flavanol intake in young adults:
- Improved working memory accuracy and attention, especially under mentally fatiguing conditions like long meetings or long workdays. Flavanols may counteract that afternoon brain fog!
- Faster processing speed and reaction time on tasks requiring executive function.
- Better episodic memory formation – potentially helping employees better retain training content.
- Enhanced blood flow to the retina, benefiting visual perception.
How can this be applied to training?
While most studies examine cocoa beverages, simply adding a square or two of dark chocolate to workplace snacks could provide a flavanol boost. Here are some suggestions for applying this research:
- Start meetings or training sessions with a serving of cocoa to prime the brain. Schedule intense cognitive activities when flavanols are at peak blood levels, about 1-2 hours after ingesting.
- Build regular cocoa breaks into lengthy training programs or mentally demanding projects. Consistent flavanol doses maintain heightened brain performance.
- Use cocoa to counteract fatigue during late afternoon workshops or training. Flavanols can restore focus as energy flags.
- Set up a cocoa bar in break rooms or kitchens. Dark chocolate satisfies cravings while optimizing brain function.
- Implement cocoa alongside training programs requiring heavy mental exertion, such as new software skills or complex analytical thinking. Flavanols aid neuroplasticity as employees forge new neural connections.
- Recommend employees drink cocoa before training if they’re short on sleep. Flavanols can boost cognition even when sleep-deprived.
The Takeaway
Of course, moderation is key as cocoa remains a treat. But targeted cocoa consumption could provide real neurological benefits – workers can literally eat for a more productive brain! Harnessing these flavanol effects can lead to workplace learning that better engages employees, boosts focus, enhances retention, and improves transfer. A spoonful of cocoa helps the training go down!
Citation
Martín MA, Goya L, de Pascual-Teresa S. Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 30;12(12):3691. doi: 10.3390/nu12123691. PMID: 33265948; PMCID: PMC7760676.
