Japanese researchers have found that eight-weeks’ consumption of a beverage containing flavanol-rich cacao extract reduced negative mood and improved positive mood among middle-aged women.
Flavanols can protect and restore gut barrier integrity following exposure to stressors such as obesity, and gut-related disorders such as coeliac disease, but future research should look to reveal personalised differences in bioavailability.
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.
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.
Results from a review and meta-analysis on the effects tea catechins on influenza and other upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) reveals “significant preventative effects.”
Eating chocolate in the morning may help burn body fat, decrease glucose levels, and improved microbiome health, thanks to the flavanol content, according to a new study.
The decision to use cocoa flavanol supplements to investigate its effects on memory has been pointed out by a director of one of the UK’s largest medical research charities, in which she highlighted the use of this delivery form.
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.
A group of Dutch researchers looked at 22 published studies to summarize the evidence we have so far on the health benefits of a group of compounds (called flavanones) found in citrus.
In a conference that focused on a broad spectrum of berry health benefits, from brain health to cardiovascular disease risk reduction, applications for performance and exercise took the spotlight during the keynote speech.
Most studies looking at bioactive compounds have focused on temperate climate berries, argue researchers from Brazil. They make the case for the commercialization of Brazilian small fruits to compete with so-called ‘temperate berries.’