A new large-scale RCT finds that cocoa flavanols restored hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with sub-optimal diets; an effect sustained over the three years of follow-up.
A proprietary blend of extracts of pomegranate and cocoa may increase testosterone levels, improve grip strength, and improved other measures of ageing in healthy men, says a new study from India.
Cocoa flavanols appear to decrease blood pressure only when elevated say researchers, easing previous concerns that the nutrient can decrease blood pressure in healthy adults.
Scientists are struggling to reach a consensus on guidance of cocoa consumption for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as conflicting evidence makes it difficult to determine precise dose-to-response outcomes.
Food giant Mars Inc. has teamed with an artificial intelligence firm PIPA to speed the discovery of new plant-based ingredients for the human and animal food and dietary supplement markets.
US researchers conducting a Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) observed a 27% reduction in deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults treated with the extract, although there was no improvement in the death rate for...
A proprietary blend of extracts of pomegranate and cocoa may increase total and free testosterone levels and increase strength measures in healthy young men, says a new study from India and the US.
Consuming an 85% cocoa dark chocolate significantly altered the diversity of the gut microbiome and improved mood in a randomized controlled trial with healthy young adults.
Cocoa flavanols appear to aid in cognitive performance and recovery according to a UK-US study, which suggests these nutrients promote better blood flow to the brain.
Mars says two large scale studies underway will add to the already thick dossier of data backing its cocoa flavanols dietary supplement. One study looks at cognitive function while the other has a variety of cardiovascular health endpoints.
The dietary effects of polyphenols on sporting activities are well documented but a review now thinks their gut microbiota interaction holds promise for enhancing cognitive function needed for peak athletic performance.
‘Neuroprotective effects’ and ‘improved metabolism’ could be the next health claims for cocoa and dark chocolate after Barry Callebaut’s heart health win, according to a medical doctor.
The potential of cocoa to beneficially impact ‘good’ cholesterol levels may be linked to the theobromine content and not the flavonoids, says a new study from Unilever Research & Development Vlaardingen.
Sourcing cocoa from certified farms can minimise incidence of child labour, but if that’s enough, why else should chocolate manufacturers commit to third-party certification?
Consumption of cocoa and the compounds it contains offer significant and ‘consistent’ benefits to blood flow and blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis of 42 studies.
Flavonoid compounds in cocoa may reduce inflammation associated with arthritis in lab animals, says a new study with possible implications for joint health.
Consuming polyphenol-rich dark chocolate or cocoa products may reduce total and LD cholesterol levels, but has no effect on HDL levels, according to a meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials.
The potential health benefits of cocoa polyphenols may be linked to their anti-inflammatory potential, suggests data from a human study from the University of Barcelona, Spain.
A breakthrough in cocoa genetics by a collaboration involving Mars, USDA and IBM will accelerate research into the production of trees that can better resist drought, disease and pests, and has met with an enthusiastic welcome from leading cocoa scientists...
Short-term cocoa consumption can significantly lower blood cholesterol, but only in modest quantities and only in those with risk factors for heart diseases, according to a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Chinese researchers.
Quality and supplies for the key ingredient in chocolate - cocoa -
may gain from a new project that sees Mars link up with the US
goverment and IBM to unlock the cocoa genome.
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) monthly review of the
cocoa market suggests that a decline of the monthly average ICCO
daily price in April compared to the previous month could be
misleading as far as futures markets are...
While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad
thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks
muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.
Chocolate giant Mars has filed a lawsuit against Natraceutical,
alleging that the Spanish company is infringing its patents on
polyphenol-rich cocoa extracts by selling CocoanOX extracts in the
United States.
Confectionary giant Mars has lauded recently published research as
further evidence of the benefits of flavanols from cocoa for a wide
range of health conditions, and looks set to lead to a new wave of
cocoa flavanol-enriched products...
Dark chocolate made with flavonol-rich cocoa may help prevent
diarrhoea, say scientists who have found cocoa compounds to limit
the development of fluids that cause the condition.
