It’s the perfect excuse to have that extra glass of red wine and spoonful of chocolate dessert – research has shown that ingredients in both might make you brainier.

Two studies have shown that polyphenols in both wine and chocolate increase the blood flow and oxygen to the brain that in turn could boost its power – especially in the elderly.

And the researchers believe that taking them together could be even more effective.

The team at Northumbria University first tested the effects of wine.