Cacao

Raw cacao provides poker players with a powerful combination of compounds that enhance cognitive function, mood, and mental endurance during tournament play. The performance benefits of cacao include: • **Enhanced Cerebral Blood Flow**: The flavanols in cacao increase nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the brain by up to 10% • **Improved Working Memory**: Research shows cacao flavanols enhance working memory function—critical for tracking hands, pot sizes, and opponent tendencies • **Mood Enhancement**: Contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide, compounds that improve mood and reduce stress, helping maintain emotional equilibrium after challenging hands • **Sustained Focus**: The small amount of theobromine and caffeine provides gentle stimulation without the jitters or crash associated with coffee A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that the flavanols in cacao improved cognitive function in healthy adults by enhancing blood flow to the brain. For poker players, the cognitive benefits of cacao translate to better mental clarity, improved pattern recognition, and enhanced decision-making during critical tournament moments.