Great news for athletes and chocolate enthusiasts: Dark chocolate, paired with regular exercise, could enhance athletic performance by 50%.
While tested on middle-aged mice, these findings hold promise for humans. Researchers from Wayne State University found that epicatechin—a key compound in dark chocolate—boosts mitochondria, the cellular "batteries" that generate energy and deliver oxygen to muscles. In the study, treated mice produced more energy and matched the fitness levels of mice trained over weeks.
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Dr. Moh Malek, of Wayne State University in Detroit, told DailyMail.co.uk: "Sports like running and cycling are known for increasing mitochondria in muscle cells." Follow-up human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Piece of dark chocolate, anyone?
