Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Chocolate: Brain in Focus

In a fascinating and much-discussed article that appeared in the December 18, 2004, issue of the British Medical Journal, scientists examined all the research on foods and health to see if they could put together the theoretically ideal meal that, if you ate it every day, would significantly reduce your risk for cardiovascular issues. (11)

After doing all the calculations, they came up with a theoretical meal that, eaten daily, would not just reduce cardiovascular risk, but reduce it by a staggering 75 percent (there’s not a pill in the world that can do that).

The ingredients of this mythical Polymeal? Wine, fish, nuts, garlic, fruits, vegetables, and… wait for it… chocolate.

In fact, they even figured out the risk-reduction contribution of each of the individual foods; the actual percentage of reduction in risk for cardiovascular issues from eating 100 g a day of cocoa-rich chocolate (about which more in a moment) turned out to be a pretty impressive 21 percent.

Chocolate is definitely one of life’s greatest pleasures, a near-perfect combination of indulgence and nostalgia.

But what if that piece of chocolate could also boost your focus, sharpen your mind, and even support your heart health?

Well, it can.

And that’s exactly the promise behind BrainMD’s newest innovations—Brain In Focus and the reformulated Brain In Love chocolate bars. These aren’t just desserts; they’re functional snacks that pack serious scientific benefits into every bite.

Let’s explore what makes these bars so remarkable, from their cutting-edge ingredients to the research-backed benefits they deliver.

Lion’s Mane Benefits: The Nootropics Advantage

Brain In Focus dark chocolate bar features Lion’s Mane mushrooms, a powerhouse ingredient that’s been stealing the spotlight in the world of nootropics. For those not familiar with nootropics they are substances that are believed to enhance cognitive function, including memory, focus, creativity, and mental clarity, while also supporting brain health. They are often referred to as “smart drugs” or “brain boosters.”

And Lion’s Mane is one of the most researched and the most effective.

Like many natural substances, Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, but modern science is finally unlocking its potential. Here’s what you need to know about what Lion’s Mane benefits:

1. Cognitive Support: Clinical studies have shown that Lion’s Mane can improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function. The magic lies in a compound called L-ergothioneine (or L-Ergo), a powerful antioxidant that supports brain health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting neural regeneration. Brain In Focus contains 200 milligrams of Lion’s Mane per serving—a dose that aligns with the amounts used in clinical studies. (6)
2. Quick and Long-Term Benefits of Lion’s Mane: Regular consumption of Lion’s Mane has been linked to increased serum levels of L-Ergo in as little as one week, with measurable cognitive improvements seen after just three months. (6)
3. Anti-Aging and Cardiovascular Health: Higher L-Ergo levels are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular issues and improved overall longevity. So, while your brain reaps the rewards, your heart benefits too. (2)

The inclusion of Lion’s Mane mushrooms turns Brain In Focus into more than just a chocolate bar. It’s a delicious way to incorporate lion’s mane benefits and nootropics into your daily routine. (2,4)

Why Dark Chocolate Is the Perfect Healthy Treat

Dark chocolate itself is no stranger to health accolades. (3)

I included dark chocolate in my book, The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, where I also wrote that “high-quality dark chocolate (60% cocoa or higher) is rich in flavanols, compounds that offer a range of benefits.” (12)

Note that both BrainMD chocolate bars are made from premium dark chocolate with 60% cocoa and are considered a superfood! This percentage of cocoa has been shown to offer:

• Cardiovascular Support: Flavanols improve blood flow, reduce clotting, and support healthy blood pressure by boosting nitric oxide production. (10,7,5)
• Cognitive Enhancement: Studies have linked dark chocolate consumption to improved memory and reduced risk of severe memory issues. Even a small amount—10 grams a day—can have measurable effects on cognitive performance. (9,4,2)
• Mood Boosting: Let’s not forget the immediate joy that comes from savoring a piece of dark chocolate. It’s the ultimate mood enhancer. (8)

BrainMD’s bars take dark chocolate’s inherent benefits and supercharge them. Both Brain In Focus and Brain In Love are sugar-free, vegan, and sweetened with allulose—a natural sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels and may even have some additional metabolic benefits. These bars are designed for anyone who wants to indulge without compromise.

Dark Chocolate for Heart Health

The reformulated Brain In Love dark chocolate bar is a tribute to the well-established link between heart health and emotional well-being. Rich in flavanols, this dark chocolate bar is a delicious way to nurture your cardiovascular system while indulging your senses.

While it doesn’t include Lion’s Mane, its high cocoa content (60%, just as I recommended in my book) ensures you’re getting all the antioxidant power you need to support a healthy heart.

Cocoa flavanols have gotten a lot of attention in the nutrition world and a big part of the reason is the Kuna Indians.

The Kuna live off the coast of Panama and are unusual in that their blood pressure tends to stay pretty much the same throughout their life. Unlike Americans and Europeans, the Kuna do not experience the dangerous rise in blood pressure that accompanies aging and increases the risk for both heart and blood sugar issues.

Some researchers—including Normal Hollenberg at Harvard Medical School—think it’s because of cocoa. The Kuna Indians drink about five cups of the stuff every day. One study, published in 2011 in the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that the highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in severe cardiovascular issues. (6)

The researchers concluded that “levels of chocolate consumption seem to be associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiometabolic disorders.”

Functional Snacking for the Win

What sets BrainMD’s dark chocolate bars apart from the competition?

It’s the fusion of indulgence and purpose. In a market flooded with sugary, nutritionally empty snacks, these bars are a revelation.

Here’s why:

• Sugar-Free and Safe: Sweetened with allulose, they’re safe for those managing blood sugar levels.
• Vegan and Dairy-Free: Perfect for plant-based eaters.
• Clinically Dosed: The Lion’s Mane in Brain In Focus isn’t just a sprinkle; it’s a science-backed clinically meaningful dose designed to deliver results.

The Science of Smart Indulgence

In a world where functional foods are on the rise, BrainMD’s dark chocolate bars are leading the charge.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your focus with lion’s mane benefits, support your heart, or simply savor a guilt-free treat, these bars deliver on all fronts. They’re more than a snack; they’re a statement—that indulgence and wellness can go hand in hand.

So go ahead, treat yourself. Your brain, heart, and taste buds will thank you.

Scientific References:

1. Hollenberg, N. K., & Fisher, N. D. (2007). Cocoa to reduce blood pressure. Journal of Hypertension, 25(8), 1745-1750.
2. Mori, T., et al. (2009). Improved cognitive function and neural regeneration with Lion’s Mane. Phytotherapy Research, 23(1), 10-15.
3. Messerli, F. H. (2012). Chocolate consumption and Nobel Prize awards. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(16), 1562-1564.
4. Kennedy, D. O., et al. (2008). Cognitive performance following cocoa flavanol consumption. Psychopharmacology, 202(4), 333-339.
5. Buitrago-Lopez, A., et al. Chocolate consumption and cardiometabolic disorders. BMJ, 343, d4488.
6. Satoh, H., et al. (2017). Serum L-Ergo levels and cognitive function. Clinical Nutrition, 36(5), 1245-1252.
7. Grone M., et al Food Funct. 2023. Aug 14; 14(16): 752-7573 Cocoa flavanols improve peakVO2 and exercise capacity in a randomized double blinded clinical trial in healthy elderly people
8. Baynham, R. et. Al. Cocoa flavanols Improve Vascular Responses to Acute Mental Stress in Young Healthy Adults, Nutrients. 2021 Mar 27; 13(4):1103
9. Altinok, A. et al Eur J Nutr. 2022 Apr; 61(3): 1665-1678 Acute effects of cocoa flavanols on visual working memory: maintenance and updating
10. Arisi T., et al Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Markers: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials 2024 Jun 18; 16(12): 1919
11. Franco, O., et al BMJ 2004 Dec 18:329(7480) The Polymeal: A more natural, safer, and probably tastier (than the Polypill) strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease by more than 75%
12. Bowden, J. The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, Fair Winds Press, 10^th anniversary edition 2016