All articles tagged with #cocoa extract
A study shows that cocoa extract supplements may help reduce age-related inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in older adults with high risk, by decreasing biomarkers like hsCRP. The research suggests potential health benefits of plant-based foods rich in flavanols, though further studies are needed to understand the full impact.
A large-scale clinical study found that cocoa extract supplements rich in flavanols can reduce inflammation markers like hsCRP in older adults, potentially protecting against age-related cardiovascular disease and promoting healthy aging.
Daily cocoa extract supplements may improve cognitive health in older adults with poor-quality diets, according to a randomized controlled trial. The study found no cognitive benefit from cocoa extract for those with high-quality diets. Cocoa is rich in flavanols, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential cognitive benefits of cocoa.
A placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham has found that cocoa extract, rich in flavanols, may have a positive effect on cognitive function in older adults with poor diets. While the overall study did not show a significant association between cocoa supplementation and cognition, a subset of individuals with lower diet quality experienced improved cognitive function with cocoa extract supplementation. Further research is needed to explore the potential therapeutic use of cocoa supplementation for at-risk older adults.
Older adults who took daily cocoa extract supplements for two years saw modest improvements in cognitive function, but only if they had lower diet quality at the start of the study. The study, part of the larger Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), included 573 participants and found that daily cocoa extract supplements had no effect on overall cognition for the entire group. However, those with lower diet quality experienced "relatively better" changes in overall cognition and executive function. While more research is needed before recommending cocoa extract supplements for improving cognition, maintaining a healthy and diverse diet, along with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of dementia.
A new study has found that cocoa extract supplements containing 500 mg a day of cocoa flavanols have cognitive benefits for older adults, particularly those with a poor-quality diet. However, it is not recommended to try to get this amount of cocoa flavanols from chocolate alone, as it would require consuming about 600 calories' worth of dark chocolate, leading to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. Other flavanol-rich foods such as tea, citrus fruit, berries, and legumes can be consumed instead. Cocoa and chocolate have been the subject of various studies highlighting their potential health benefits, including improved alertness and liver health.