Flavanols in cocoa have shown to improve
endothelial function and lower blood pressure,
and also data suggest that
these flavanols may boost cognition as well.

Since chocolate consumption could hypothetically improve
cognitive function not only in individuals but also in whole
populations, Messerli wondered whether there would be
a correlation between a country's level of
chocolate consumption and its population's cognitive function.

He wrote his observations in New England J of Medicine.
Messerli, however, said that his study is
hypothesis-generating and requires confirmation
in a prospective, randomized trial.

By the way, Messerli eats chocolate daily, mostly in the form
of Lindt's dark varieties.

... Cardiology Today, Vol 15, Number 12, December, 2012