Sex and chocolate 'boost the brain'

Why you should have more sex and chocolate

Want to boost your brain power? Plenty of sex and chocolate might be the answer, according to a new study.

Research published this week has found that eating foods such as dark chocolate and cold meat can help boost the grey matter, while sex is essential for keeping the brain fit in later life.

The theories, based on research from experts around the world, are contained in the book Teach Yourself: Training Your Brain.

Sex has a positive impact, the book says, because of the chemical reactions the brain undergoes.

Raised levels of oxytocin - or the 'trust' hormone - for example, increase a person's readiness to think of solutions to a problem.

Elements in dark chocolate also prove beneficial. But smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and spending time with people who moan can all reduce the brain's capacity.

The book's author Terry Horne told the Daily Mail: 'People can make lifestyle choices that will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives.

'Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed.'