It’s called the chocolate effect — and it’s more than a minute of sugar-induced bliss. Scientists have long suspected a relationship between what we eat and how we think, but the results of a recent study, “Chocolate Intake Is Associated with Better Cognitive Function,” are good news in no uncertain terms. Hawaiian chocolate might just be the new coffee: the study found “significant positive associations” between chocolate intake and performance on tests measuring the domains of cognitive performance: Visual-Spatial Memory and Organization, Working Memory, Scanning and Tracking, Abstract Reasoning, and the Mini-Mental State Examination.

The Tests

Participants were required to perform certain tasks, such as memorizing a sequence of items or completing a maze. Compared to the chocolate-abstinent, weekly chocolate eaters tended to score higher, even after the data were adjusted for other determinants such as age and education. Though not designed to prove causation, the study supports a few other links nutrition researchers have found between chocolate and the brain.

How Hawaiian Chocolate Might Sharpen You Up

It’s unlikely these results can be explained by sugar high. Cocoa flavanols, nutrients that concentrate in Hawaiian chocolate, can “reduce some measures of age-related cognitive dysfunction” and “positively influence psychological processes,” according to 2014 and 2011 studies, respectively. Another rare chocolate-based nutrient, methylxanthines, have been shown by 2004 and 2005 studies to boost concentration.

High Quality Chocolate Is the New Superfood

Chocolate owes its unique taste and nutritional benefits to its principal ingredient, cacao. Higher-quality chocolate will contain a higher percentage of cacao, and you’ll know — it has a rich, bittersweet, deep taste. Given Hawaii’s volcanic and tropical climates, Hawaiian chocolate is often flavanol- and methylxanthine-rich. Together with its sugar product, Hawaii is the only American state to craft completely local chocolate that tastes great and fuels your brain.

Support local harvesters, boost your cognition, savor a world-class delicacy: enjoy Hawaiian chocolate. There’s nothing in the United States quite like it, and it’s the specialty of Honolulu-based Tropical Fruits Distributors of Hawaii. A Dole company, they’ve been sourcing the greatest gifts of the Hawaiian climate for years. Stock up on your next exquisite secret weapon today by calling them at (808) 847-3234 or visiting their website.