British researchers recently reported that ‘super’ broccoli has positive effects on ageing. Now US scientists are talking about the benefits of hot chocolate (beyond cockle warming). Research shows that older people who drink two cups a day have healthier brain function.

A study was conducted with 60 people who had an average age of 73. Those with impaired blood flow benefited from drinking hot chocolate, with an 8.3% improvement in flow to working areas of the brain. Memory also improved, with recall times improving by over 35%.

The Harvard team leading the studies believe that the brain needs grater blood flow to create more energy to complete their tasks. The relationship may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer's they said. “More work is needed to prove a link between cocoa, blood flow problems and cognitive decline. But this is an important first step that could guide future studies”.