Flavanols, compounds that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, may help maintain mental sharpness as people age, according to a new study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Over 3,500 healthy older adults were randomly assigned a daily flavanol pill or placebo for three years. The genuine supplement contained 500 milligrams of flavanols, including 80 milligrams of epicatechins, the most abundant flavanol in dark chocolate with research-backed health benefits. Mars Edge, a food manufacturer specializing in nutrition research and products, funded the study.
