Recent research has shown that intake of chocolate, wine and tea in moderation can help in improving cognitive performance. Research team from Norway and the Oxford University collected data from 2,031 older people aged between 70 and 74.

The study subjects were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding their habitual food intake. Mental ability of study subjects was also tested.

Data analysis showed that study subjects who consumed chocolate, wine, or tea had significantly better mean test scores and lower prevalence of poor cognitive performance as compared to those who do not.

Earlier studies have proved that fruits and beverages such as tea, red wine, cocoa, and coffee are major dietary sources of polyphenols, micronutrients found in plant-derived foods. The largest subclass of dietary polyphenols is flavonoids. Previous studies have shown that those who consume lots of flavonoids have a lower incidence of dementia.

Researchers added that intake of chocolate, wine and tea in huge quantities can be harmful.