Dark chocolate contains plant chemicals that improve arterial function, lipid levels, insulin resistance and more. It's no wonder cocoa supplements are now available.
Cocoa polyphenols are plant chemicals known as phytonutrients derived from the cocoa plant. In the last few years, scientists have found that cocoa polyphenols offer tremendous health benefits. As a result, of these studies, vitamin manufacturers have recently introduced a variety of different cocoa supplements.
Why Supplements?
The polyphenols in dark chocolate contain the same benefits as cocoa powder. However, most chocolate bars also have high levels of sugar and fats. The excess dietary fat and sugar would offset the benefits of cocoa.
Most supplements contain 50-100 mg of cocoa polyphenols. At the Life Extension Foundation, cocoa polyphenols are found in Endothelial Defense, Super Polyphenol Extracts, Pomegranate Extract, Blueberry Extract and Cocoa Gold with Beta-Glucan.
Benefits of Cocoa
Cocoa is reported to reduce blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, raise levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL), protect against insulin resistance, prevent endothelial dysfunction (inner artery wall disease), and offer protection against heart attacks and strokes. In addition, cocoa reduces platelet aggregations, improves blood flow, improves cognitive performance, and because of its antioxidant properties, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
Study Results
In one study reported in Life Extension, subjects consuming cocoa polyphenols for three weeks were reported to have an 11.4 percent increase in HDL levels. After 12 weeks, HDL levels showed a 24 percent increase. Another study published in the July 4, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that a quantity as low as 30 mg cocoa daily caused a significant decrease in blood pressure after 18 weeks. When higher amounts of cocoa (88 mg daily) were used, blood pressure reading fell as much as 20 percent.
Resources:
Cocoa Supplements, University of California at Berkeley Wellness Guide to Supplements,
William Faloon, a Novel Method to Protect your Aging Arteries, Life Extension Foundation, Winter, 2007-2008.
