Posted on 08/04/2021 6:30:53 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A bioactive compound found in cocoa powder and dark chocolate could help middle-aged adults enjoy exercise, a new study has suggested. The research analyzed the potential health benefits of cocoa flavanols, a plant nutrient extracted from cocoa beans.
Cocoa flavanols are found in abundance in cocoa powder, and to a lesser extent in dark chocolate, and can be consumed as a supplement. Because cocoa flavanols have a 'vasodilatory' effect, helping to increase blood flow, they've been shown to prevent blood clots and even combat memory decline.
And the report found that cocoa flavanols contribute to faster oxygen uptake kinetics—with improved blood flow the likely cause.
Over a period of five weeks, prior to consuming the cocoa supplement, the group was put through a series of trials, using a lab-based exercise bike, where they were incrementally pushed to exhaustion. These trials were performed in order to establish a person's VO2 peak, the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, as well as power output.
The test subjects were then given either a daily 400 mg cocoa flavanol supplement or a placebo over the course of seven days.
And what the research team discovered was that when the test subjects who'd consumed the cocoa flavanols were subjected to 'moderate' exercise, the VO2 kinetics time was 'significantly reduced' from around 40 seconds to 34 seconds.
This reduction of six seconds is important, the team states, because it exceeds the minimum physiologically relevant change of around 5 seconds.
In April this year, a separate study by researchers at the University of Birmingham found blood vessels were able to function better during mental stress when test subjects were given a cocoa drink containing high levels of flavanols compared to when drinking a non-flavanol enriched drink.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Chocolate good.
Thanks, will add to my COVID pack along with Iver, Hydroxy, Zinc, D3
I do make it a habit to eat a little dark chocolate every day. Always knew it was a good antioxidant and had flavinoids. I cant really go above 85% cacao and enjoy it. 72% i can still taste a little sweetness.
It’s time for more chocolate cake.
chocolate: the 6th food group
ONE OF THE MOST RESEARCHED PLANT-BASED NUTRIENTS, WITH CLINICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS BACKED BY:
• 20+ Years of Scientific Research
• 150+ Published Scientific Papers
• 30+ Clinical Studies With Leading Research Institutions
CocoaVia™ Cardio Health increases your blood flow, supporting better oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body
• Increases on-demand nitric oxide output for better vascular performance
• Promotes arterial elasticity to facilitate circulation & healthy blood pressure
• Starts improving blood flow within 2 hours
All of that is consistent with this article.
BTTT!!!
Well DUH!
Where have they been for the last 50-years or so?
There are several proven medical reasons to consume 60-80% cocoa chocolate...
We have been taking it, on and off, for many years.
If you buy the 70% or 85% bar, then you are safe. They do not use the dutching process (use of an alkalizing agent to process cocoa) for these two products. However, Lindt uses the dutching process for the 90% bar, so beware. This process unfortunately takes many of the flavonoids out of the chocolate, deleting the antioxidant ability it might have had.
I see three CocoaVia formulations: Heart, Heart + Brain, and Brain. The Brain is pricey stuff — about $1.30 per day. I just bought some on Amazon and will give it a try. Thanks.
Cocoa Flavanol, A rapper name not taken...yet.
not lindt
pick n save/kroger private select, either 72% or 85%
If wanting only cocoa powder, a much better choice was Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Baking Cocoa — 100% Cocoa. It had 44 mg of flavanols and 0.6 mcg of cadmium per tablespoon.
Also, Volupta Cacao Powder was a “good” choice (never heard of this one before). A tablespoon had 55 mg of flavanols and 2.9 mcg of cadmium (borderline of high).
Hunter Biden grabs pipe.
What is the Kroger price(s)?
Thanks but this and others are too expensive.
Are you trying to get the flavanols, or the chocolate flavor, from your purchase? That answer could help optimize the result.
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