 |
|
Groundbreaking research highlights myriad health benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa
July 26, 2006Research has demonstrated that consumption of naturally occurring compounds in cocoa can lead to a range of circulatory health benefits including the first observed brain and cardiovascular blood flow improvements, according to research published in the latest issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, in a supplement that focuses on the potential health benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa.
Previous studies have demonstrated that the consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can improve blood vessel function and may even reduce the formation of damaging clots. This new, published research extends these findings by showing that the regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can lead to improved blood flow in menopausal women with elevated cholesterol, as well as reporting for the first time that the increase in blood flow following flavanol-rich cocoa consumption can also be observed in the brain.
"The totality of this research is impressive and gives us new insights into how cocoa flavanols may improve health in a variety of ways not previously known," said Harold Schmitz, PhD, Chief Science Officer of Mars, Incorporated, which has conducted and supported a majority of the research on cocoa flavanols and health for more than 15 years. "This publication, resulting from the science presented at an international meeting convened last year in Lucerne, Switzerland, is exciting as it adds to the growing body of scientific research demonstrating that the consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can potentially lead to a range of physiological benefits resulting from improved blood flow."
Researchers studied the effects of cocoa flavanols in vitro (test tube) and in human subjects, on various age groups, on women and men in order to better understand the potential benefits of these natural food compounds. Among the new studies, the highlights include:
- Brain blood flow in the elderly and young adults: Two independent studies, one in a healthy elderly population and another in young healthy women, demonstrate that the consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can increase blood flow to the brain. This work, the first of its kind with cocoa, suggests that this cocoa may have promising effects on cognitive performance - particularly promising because decreased brain blood flow is associated with dementia and deterioration in brain function.
- Blood flow in postmenopausal women: Scientists found that the regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa resulted in a significant increase in blood flow in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women, suggesting that this cocoa may improve vascular function in this population with higher cardiovascular risk.
- Different flavanols have different functions: Flavanol-rich cocoa has previously been shown to decrease the potential for formation of blood clots. In this new investigation, researchers coupled studies of platelet function in humans with in vitro studies with highly purified flavanols from cocoa. The results of these studies support that cocoa flavanols may have beneficial effects on platelets, and report for the first time that certain flavanols and flavanol-rich cocoa itself may also reduce the cascade of events that can lead to vascular damage.
- Benefits for a high cocoa flavanol consuming population: Previous research has identified the island dwelling Kuna Indians of Panama as a population with an unusual absence of age-related hypertension and cardiovascular disease, despite a level of salt intake comparable to that in Western societies. The investigators conducted a comprehensive dietary survey to see if specific dietary factors may be responsible. Most notable was the finding the Kuna consumed high levels of cocoa, confirmed by analysis to be rich in flavanols, suggesting that there may be a link between the habitual intake of flavanol-rich cocoa and their low incidence of vascular disease.
"We are excited by this research as it provides promising evidence that cocoa flavanols may have an important role not only in treating, but also possibly preventing a range of health issues related to blood flow problems," said Schmitz. "This new science sets the stage for the potential development of cocoa flavanol based products useful for a wide variety of important public health issues impacted by decreased blood flow, ranging from, cardiovascular health to dementia."
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Researchers studied the effects of cocoa flavanols in vitro (test tube) and in human subjects, on various age groups, on women and men in order to better understand the potential benefits of these natural food compounds. Among the new studies, the highlights include:
- Brain blood flow in the elderly and young adults: Two independent studies, one in a healthy elderly population and another in young healthy women, demonstrate that the consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can increase blood flow to the brain. This work, the first of its kind with cocoa, suggests that this cocoa may have promising effects on cognitive performance - particularly promising because decreased brain blood flow is associated with dementia and deterioration in brain function.
- Blood flow in postmenopausal women: Scientists found that the regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa resulted in a significant increase in blood flow in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women, suggesting that this cocoa may improve vascular function in this population with higher cardiovascular risk.
- Different flavanols have different functions: Flavanol-rich cocoa has previously been shown to decrease the potential for formation of blood clots. In this new investigation, researchers coupled studies of platelet function in humans with in vitro studies with highly purified flavanols from cocoa. The results of these studies support that cocoa flavanols may have beneficial effects on platelets, and report for the first time that certain flavanols and flavanol-rich cocoa itself may also reduce the cascade of events that can lead to vascular damage.
- Benefits for a high cocoa flavanol consuming population: Previous research has identified the island dwelling Kuna Indians of Panama as a population with an unusual absence of age-related hypertension and cardiovascular disease, despite a level of salt intake comparable to that in Western societies. The investigators conducted a comprehensive dietary survey to see if specific dietary factors may be responsible. Most notable was the finding the Kuna consumed high levels of cocoa, confirmed by analysis to be rich in flavanols, suggesting that there may be a link between the habitual intake of flavanol-rich cocoa and their low incidence of vascular disease.
"We are excited by this research as it provides promising evidence that cocoa flavanols may have an important role not only in treating, but also possibly preventing a range of health issues related to blood flow problems," said Schmitz. "This new science sets the stage for the potential development of cocoa flavanol based products useful for a wide variety of important public health issues impacted by decreased blood flow, ranging from, cardiovascular health to dementia."
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Cocoa Current Events and Cocoa News RSSModel backs green tea and lemon claim, lessens need to test animals
An animal study at Purdue University has shown that adding ascorbic acid and sugar to green tea can help the body absorb helpful compounds and also demonstrates the effectiveness of a model that could reduce the number of animals needed for these types of studies.
New study shows that cocoa flavanols can be preserved during cooking and baking
In a study published this month in the Journal of Food Science, scientists from The Hershey Company and Brunswick Laboratories (Norton, MA) showed that over 85% of the cocoa flavanols were preserved in recipes for chocolate frosting, hot cocoa drink and chocolate cookies.
More 'Star Trek' than 'Snuggie': Student design to protect lunar outpost from dangerous radiation
Alien creatures are the least of NASA's worries when it comes to moon travel. There are several potential threats to future missions - with space radiation at the top of the list.
Red, red wine: How it fights Alzheimer's
Scientists call it the "French paradox" - a society that, despite consuming food high in cholesterol and saturated fats, has long had low death rates from heart disease.
Consuming small amounts of caffeine when pregnant may affect the growth of an unborn child
Consuming caffeine at any time during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction (low birth weight).
Resveratrol, red wine compound linked to health, also found in dark chocolate and cocoa
Hershey's Center for Health and Nutrition announced the publication of a study that shows resveratrol, the compound often associated with the health benefits of red wine, is also found in cocoa and dark chocolate products.
New study re-emphasizes natural cocoa powder has high antioxidant content
Over the past ten years, dark chocolate and cocoa have become recognized through numerous studies for flavanol antioxidant benefits.
Shade trees can protect coffee crops
Sustainable farming that employs shade trees may improve crops' resistance to temperature and precipitation extremes that climate changes are expected to trigger.
Dark chocolate: Half a bar per week to keep at bay the risk of heart attack
Maybe gourmands are not jumping for joy. Probably they would have preferred bigger amounts to sup-port their passion. Though the news is still good for them: 6.7 grams of chocolate per day represent the ideal amount for a protective effect against inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers link cocoa flavanols to improved brain blood flow
Cocoa flavanols, the unique compounds found naturally in cocoa, may increase blood flow to the brain, according to new research published in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment journal. The researchers suggest that long-term improvements in brain blood flow could impact cognitive behavior, offering future potential for debilitating brain conditions including dementia and stroke.
More Cocoa Current Events and Cocoa News Articles
 |
Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Hot Cocoa Mix, Double Chocolate, 16-Ounce Tins (Pack of 4) by Ghirardelli The luxuriously deep flavor of Ghirardelli premium Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa creates the intense, lingering chocolate experience cherished by true cocoa lovers. | |
 |
Cocoa(R) Programming for Mac(R) OS X (3rd Edition) by Aaron Hillegass (Author) The best-selling introduction to Cocoa, once again updated to cover the latest Mac programming technologies, and still enthusiastically recommended by experienced Mac OS X developers.
“Aaron’s book is the gold standard for Mac OS X programming books—beautifully written, and thoughtfully sculpted. The best book on Leopard development.” —Scott Stevenson, www.theocacao.com
“This is the first book I’d recommend for anyone wanting to learn Cocoa from scratch. Aaron’s one of the few (perhaps only) full-time professional Cocoa instructors, and his teaching experience shows in the book.”
|
Hershey's Cocoa, Natural Unsweetened, 8-Ounce Cans (Pack of 6) by Hershey Great for baking. |
 |
Frontier Cocoa Powder, Dutch-process (10-12% Cocoa Butter) Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified™, 16 Ounce Bag by Frontier The tropical cacoa tree produces this food of the gods. Our fine cocoa is Dutch processed, rich in flavor and color. | |
 |
Cocoa Design Patterns by Erik M. Buck (Author), Donald A. Yacktman (Author) “Next time some kid shows up at my door asking for a code review, this is the book that I am going to throw at him.”
–Aaron Hillegass, founder of Big Nerd Ranch, Inc., and author of Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X
Unlocking the Secrets of Cocoa and Its Object-Oriented Frameworks
Mac and iPhone developers are often overwhelmed by the breadth and sophistication of the Cocoa frameworks. Although Cocoa is indeed huge, once you understand the object-oriented patterns it uses, you’ll find it remarkably elegant, consistent, and simple.
|
Ghirardelli Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mix - Double Chocolate, 16 oz by Ghirardelli The luxuriously deep flavor of Ghirardelli premium Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa creates the intense, lingering chocolate experience cherished by true cocoa lovers. We start with cocoa from the finest beans, blend just the right amount of sugar and real vanilla, and add real chocolate for a rich chocolate taste. |
 |
Droste Cocoa by Droste A delicious drinking and baking cocoa powder. Great for an old-fashioned cup of hot cocoa or refreshing glass of chocolate milk, mix together two teaspoons Droste Cocoa and two heaping teaspoons sugar. Add enough water, milk or cream to stir to a paste. Add one cup hot or cold milk, stir well and serve. Excellent for baking. | |
 |
Programming in Objective-C 2.0 (2nd Edition) by Stephen G. Kochan (Author) THE #1 BEST SELLING BOOK ON OBJECTIVE-C 2.0! From the author of Programming in C,Programming in Objective-C 2.0 provides the new programmer a complete, step-by-step introduction to the Objective-C language. The book does not assume previous experience with either C or object-oriented programming languages, and it includes many detailed, practical examples of how to put Objective-C to use in your everyday programming needs. Objective-C has become the standard programming language for application development on the Mac OS X and iPhone platforms. A powerful yet simple object-oriented programming language that’s based... | |
 |
Pernigotti Cocoa by ChefShop by ChefShop One kilo (2.2 pound bag.) This dark, unsweetened cocoa powder is in a class unto itself. Pernigotti, the famed Italian chocolate maker, removes less fat from its cocoa. This wonderful cocoa is lightly Dutch processed and has a touch of real vanilla. "I've used this cocoa for years and have visited pernigotti in Firenze. I just love it. Wm sonoma doesn't have it online (or in their stores).....so I picked you." thanks, D This produces a more intense chocolate flavor, ready to satisfy in drinks and desserts, like a rich gelato or a super-fudge brownie. Add Pernigotti cocoa powder to hot milk, and the aroma will transport you to breezy autumn days in the Piazza della Signoria. Perfect for your favorite hot cocoa recipe.
Please note this is a "service pack" and comes sealed in a... | |
 |
Hershey's Cocoa, Special Dark, 8-Ounce Cans (Pack of 6) by Hershey Hershey's Cocoa, Special Dark, 8-Ounce Can |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |