India, Nov. 3 -- Eating a small bit of dark chocolate might do more than just hit the spot for your sweet tooth; it could also give your brain a little memory boost to tide it over. A new study from Japan found that flavanols, the bitter component in dark chocolate and berries, make the brain feel more alert and help with memory, especially when consumed before attempting to learn something new, according to studyfinds.

Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology discovered that these natural compounds do not work the way many scientists used to think they do, by entering the bloodstream. In fact, their strong, almost bitter flavour sends out quick signals through the nerves in the mouth and gut, activating a part of the brain ca...