Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Modulates Gamma Wave Frequencies in Vigorously Active Individuals

Abstract

IntroductionVisualization and the demand to increase cognitive function to improve performance is an area of growing interest in athletes and physically active individuals. Modulatory control of acute action from cacao flavonoids on brain state remains unknown. The cacao flavonoid, epicatechin, can cross the blood brain barrier and accumulate in the hippocampal region of the brain, having a direct association with cognition, learning, and memory. Gamma (25–48 Hz) waves, the fastest of the brainwave frequencies, are optimal for cognitive function.PurposeDetermine if savoring and ingestion of dark chocolate (70% cacao) can modulate gamma wave frequencies between visualization at a state of rest and a state of exercise performance via electroencephalography (EEG) in vigorously active individuals.MethodsTen vigorously active, healthy adults were enrolled. Participants consisted of 5 females and 5 males with a mean age of 23.7 ± 2.2 years. Vigorous activity was defined by the Centers for Disease Control and American College of Sports Medicine. Participants' visualization of rest and exercise were assessed by EEG Power Spectral Density (PSD) during three 60‐seconds trials: without cacao (1.4g of 70% cacao bar, Parliament Chocolates, Redlands, CA) consumption, savoring cacao, and after fully ingesting cacao. EEG wave band activity was recorded from nine cerebral cortical scalp locations using the EEG B‐Alert X10 System, Carlsbad CA. A Z‐score, using a reference baseline at visualization of rest without cacao, was utilized.ResultsDuring visualization of rest, there was a 541.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing no cacao to savoring cacao and a 169.3% increase when comparing no cacao to after ingestion of cacao. During exercise visualization, there was a 207.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing no cacao to savoring cacao and a 45.7% increase when comparing no cacao to after ingestion of cacao. When savoring cacao, there was a 13.8% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing rest visualization to exercise visualization. After fully ingesting cacao, there was a 28.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing rest visualization to exercise visualization.ConclusionWe suggest that EEG gamma waves are heightened during savoring and ingestion of 1.4 g of cacao, when visualization of rest and exercise take place. Our study demonstrates the potential increase in cognitive function for vigorously active individuals to achieve a level of peak performance. Further research is needed to expand these positive findings.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.