Study Finds Eating Berries and Chocolate May Protect the Brain From Stress

Having trouble remembering things or feeling stressed often? A small piece of dark chocolate or a handful of berries might actually help.

According to a new study by researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan, these foods can boost memory and reduce stress — thanks to natural compounds called flavanols.

Flavanols are found in high amounts in cocoa and berries. The study, published in the journal Current Research in Food Science, found that consuming flavanols can trigger body responses similar to those caused by exercise.

These responses work like mild stress that activates the central nervous system, improving alertness, focus, and memory. Flavanols may also help protect brain cells from damage.

Dr. Yasuyuki Fujii, who led the study, explained that the effects of flavanols are similar to the body’s reaction during physical exercise. He said that even moderate consumption of flavanol-rich foods could improve overall health and quality of life, despite the body not absorbing them very easily.

To understand how flavanols affect the brain, the researchers looked at how their taste — that dry, slightly bitter, or puckering feeling in the mouth — might act as a signal to the nervous system.

Experiments were conducted on 10-week-old mice that were given flavanols in two doses, while another group of mice received plain water.

The results showed that the mice given flavanols were more active, curious, and showed better learning and memory skills. Their brain activity increased, with higher levels of key chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine — both of which help regulate mood, attention, motivation, and stress response.

The study also found that enzymes linked to the production and movement of these brain chemicals were more active. In addition, stress-related hormones in the urine were higher, and there was increased activity in a brain area called the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which controls the body’s stress response.

Overall, the research suggests that eating flavanol-rich foods like dark chocolate and berries may naturally support brain function, improve memory, and help the body manage stress better — offering a simple, tasty way to care for your mind and mood.