Archived CHOCOLATE & HEALTH NEWS
Eating dark chocolate can protect against heart disease and stroke, scientists claim, adding that men derive more health benefits from it than women. The benefits include anti-clotting effects which are activated within two hours in both sexes, and with greater impact in men. Full Story
Theobromine, a chemical derived
from cocoa, relieved symptoms of acute and chronic
coughs in 60% of patients, a study found. "Eating
a bar of dark chocolate a day which has high levels of
the compound may also be effective for people with diagnosed
persistent cough, although eating chocolate on a daily
basis may have other unwanted effects, including weight
gain and so on," said lead author Alyn Morice. Full
Story
A Neurology study finds that compared
with men who reported eating little-to-no chocolate on
a regular basis, those who had the highest weekly consumption
of chocolate — about 63 grams per week, or just a
little more than 2 ounces — reduced their
likelihood of suffering a stroke by 17%. Full
Story
Cocoa compounds found in dark chocolate
can reduce blood pressure in the short term and
could help guard against cardiovascular disease,
according to The Cochrane Library study. Full
Story
A new study published in Hypertension indicates the flavanols in cocoa may be beneficial in lowering the risk of dementia, based on trials conducted with 90 elderly participants. Full Story
Extracts of cocoa and green tea may have health benefits for obese adults, who showed improved markers for inflammation and oxidative stress in a study. Researchers credit the polyphenols in the cocoa and green tea. Full Story
A review of more than 100 previous studies confirms that chocolate can improve mood and brain function. "Cocoa powder and chocolate contain a large percentage of flavonoids that display several beneficial actions on the brain," wrote Astrid Nehlig in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Full Story
The European Food Safety Authority supported Barry Callebaut's claim that compounds in dark chocolate benefit blood circulation. Permission to make the claim on product labels still needs European Commission approval, with a decision expected in early 2013. Full Story
A study in the Journal of Nutrition indicates that high-flavanol cocoa protects skin from UV rays. No, not when you slather it on the skin, but when you eat it. Those who consumed the chocolate drink with higher amounts of flavanols suffered less significant burns than those who had a drink with less. Full Story
Great news for chocoholics! How eating modified treat can 'slow down the ageing process'. New technology increases body's absorption of cocoa flavanols - molecules contained in chocolate that improve skin oxygenation. Full Story
A scientific study likely to stir the souls of chocoholics has suggested that eating dark chocolate every day for 10 years could reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes in some high-risk patients. A team of researchers from Australia used a mathematical model to predict the long-term health impact of daily dark chocolate consumption. Full Story
Researchers based in Cambridge claim to have made a scientific breakthrough that transforms chocolate into an anti-ageing wonder drug. The technology increases the body's absorption of cocoa flavanols - molecules contained in chocolate that improve skin oxygenation, which is an essential factor in slowing the ageing process. Full story
Cocoa with fiber from cocoa bran can improve regularity, according to research from the Spanish National Research Council published in Nutrition & Metabolism. Full Story
Dark chocolate may lower your risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood glucose and bad cholesterol while boosting levels of good cholesterol, a small new study suggests. Full Story
A study by the University of California, San Diego found eating chocolate five times a week, compared with not eating any, was associated with about a one-point drop in body mass index. That would amount to about seven pounds for a person 5' 10", or about five pounds for a five-footer, according to a report in MedPage Today. Full Story
Daily consumption of dark chocolate bars and a beverage containing approximately 100 milligrams of epicatechin for three months helped normalize cristae levels and increase molecular indicators of mitochondria production in type 2 diabetes and heart failure patients with damaged skeletal muscle mitochondria, according to a very small study in Clinical and Translational Science. Full Story
Eating chocolate is not only a treat for the tongue – it may also have some tangible benefits for heart health, such as lowering blood pressure slightly, according to a study involving more than a thousand people. The study, which combined the results of 42 smaller studies, was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Full Story
Chocolate or cocoa powder containing higher amounts of so-called cocoa flavanols can positively influence brain performance in healthy middle-aged individuals. People who regularly consume cocoa flavanols can think just as well as others, but with less effort. This was revealed in an independent study by Professor Andrew Scholey and Con Stough from the Center for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University in Australia. Full Story
Consumption of cocoa and the compounds it contains offer significant and ‘consistent’ benefits to blood flow and blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis of 42 studies. Full Story
A study by Mars examines the circulatory and cardiovascular benefits of cocoa flavanols. "The study provides a critical step toward a more complete understanding of flavanols and their benefits and, ultimately, toward the translation of this knowledge into innovative flavanol-rich food products and concrete health recommendations," according to Mars. Full Story
A review of studies on the health benefits of the flavonoid epicatechin, found in dark chocolate, concludes more research is needed. Studies link the flavonoid to health benefits including reduced heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, but the authors note that "well-designed, randomized, controlled long-term studies with clinically meaningful endpoints are needed to better clarify the potential benefits." Full Story
A Swedish study found that women who had the highest chocolate consumption, an average of about 2.3 ounces per week, had a 20% reduced stroke risk. Although the study failed to prove a cause-and-effect link between chocolate and stroke, cardiologist Nieca Goldberg said, "Chocolate does have antioxidants, and antioxidants are beneficial for your health." Full Story
In a study with lab rats, consumption of flavonoid compounds in cocoa lowered inflammation associated with arthritis. Researchers say additional study is needed to determine how the compounds could be used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs for humans. Full Story
Consumption of flavonoid-rich cocoa was associated with an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of about 1.6 mmHg, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health. Full Story
Dieters can still achieve weight-loss by consuming a daily dark chocolate or "non-chocolate snack" within the context of a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Full Story
University of Cambridge study showed the highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37 per cent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 per cent reduction in stroke compared with the lowest levels. Full Story
Consuming polyphenol-rich dark chocolate or cocoa products may reduce total and LD cholesterol
levels, but has no effect on HDL levels, according to a meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials. Full Story
Scientists in Canada said Monday that they plan to study whether eating dark chocolate not only satisfies sweet tooth cravings, but protects against sunburn as well. Full Story
The potential health benefits of cocoa polyphenols may be linked to their anti-inflammatory potential, suggests data from a human study from the University of Barcelona, Spain. Full Story
Auspicious new science suggests that chocolate can have a surprisingly large effect on the body’s response to exercise, although not in the ways that many of us might expect, and certainly not at the dosages most might hope for. Full Story
Consumption of low-fat chocolate milk is beneficial to muscle recovery and exercise performance, claim two recent studies. Chocolate milk drinkers had greater improvements in aerobic fitness compared to those drinking a carbohydrate beverage or water, according to recent findings from University of Texas Research. Full Story
Daily consumption of 40 grams of cocoa powder and 500 mL of skimmed milk for four weeks was associated with increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and reductions in levels of oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol, scientists from the University of Barcelona report. Full Story
Eating dark chocolate, which contains high levels of cocoa flavonols, may boost eyesight and brain health by improving blood flow to the retina and brain, according to a study published in the journal in Physiology and Behavior. The findings suggest the effects may last for several hours after consumption. Full Story
A new study from researchers at the University of Reading claims that consumption of cocoa flavanols may improve aspects of eye and brain function. Full Story
Extracts from cocoa may block carbohydrate and lipid breakdown in the gut, and aid weight management, says a new study from Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition and the Pennsylvania State University. Full Story
According to a new study published in Nutrition Research Journal, chocolate and sugar consumption was not associated with body weight measures, risk factors for cardio vascular disease, or metabolic syndrome in U.S. adults. Abstract
A meta-analysis of 21 studies linked cocoa consumption to improved cholesterol levels and blood vessel health, reduced blood pressure and improvements in diabetes risk factors, such as insulin resistance. The Harvard researchers said the benefits are due to polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidants in cocoa that may help curb cardiovascular disease. Full Story
The potential of polyphenol compounds in cocoa to reduce blood pressure is related to genotype, suggests a new nutrigenomic study that deepens our understanding of the cardiovascular benefits of cocoa. Full Story
The food police may find this hard to take, but chocolate has gotten a bad rap. There is in fact a growing body of credible scientific evidence that chocolate contains a host of heart-healthy and mood-enhancing phytochemicals, with benefits to both body and mind. Full Story
Chocolate boosts the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) that protects against heart disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Full Story
Cocoa powder and dark chocolate has equivalent polyphenol content and greater antioxidant and flavanol content than various super fruits, claims a new study by research scientists based at the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition. Full Story
The potential heart health benefits of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder may be related to a ‘novel mechanism’ of boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, says a new study from Japan. Full Story
Giving Alzheimer’s Patients Their Way, Even With Chocolate. A very interesting article on more humane ways of treating Alzheimer' patients, including unlimited chocolate. Full Story
A study from Mars, Inc. and the University of Reading indicates flavanol compounds in cocoa can increase beneficial gut bacteria. The study suggests "subtle changes in dietary habits, such as eating dark chocolate, can benefit both host and microflora metabolism with potential long-term health benefits." Full Story
Theobromine, a chemical in cocoa, is being turned into a medicine for persistent cough, according to UK researchers. The chemical is thought to work by inhibiting the inappropriate firing of the vagus nerve, a key feature of persistent cough, reported BBC News. Full Story
Research indicates that polyphenols in chocolate can reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. In a study, participants given chocolate with high polyphenol amounts showed fewer symptoms and better Chalder Fatigue Scale scores than those given low-polyphenol chocolate. Full Story
Women age 70 and older who consumed one serving of chocolate – equivalent to one cup of hot cocoa – once a week had a 35% reduced risk of death or hospitalization from heart disease and an almost 60% lower risk of death or hospitalization from heart failure compared with infrequent chocolate eaters, a 10-year study showed. Full Story
Researchers from the University of Hull and the Hull York Medical School claim that cholesterol levels fell in the group of 12 diabetics who were given 45g of dark chocolate bars rich in polyphenols. Full Story
Women who ate one to three servings of high-quality dark chocolate per month reduced their risk of heart failure by 32% compared to women who didn't eat chocolate regularly, according to a Harvard study. Full Story
Cocoa flavanols could improve poor blood vessel function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according a team of researchers, including scientists from confectionery maker, Mars, Inc. Full Story
Dark chocolate, in limited amounts, can lower blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol, among other health benefits. Look for bars with at least 70% cocoa or cacao, and limit portions to about 1 ounce a day. Full Story
The findings from a study indicate that people who suffer from hypertension can lower their blood pressure by up to 5% simply by eating chocolate. "You don't always need medication to reduce blood pressure," said Dr. Karin Ried, the Adelaide University researcher who handled the research, which was published in the journal BMC Medicine. Full Story
Researchers say people who already have risk factors for heart disease might see improvements in their cholesterol levels with consumption of moderate amounts of chocolate. The analysis of eight studies found that some showed eating small amounts of cocoa led to reduced cholesterol levels, though eating more did not boost the benefits. Full Story
Barry Callebaut says it is developing a chocolate bar packed with antioxidants that may fight wrinkles and other signs of aging. The company says it has found a way to produce bars that are richer in flavanols by preserving the flavanols in cocoa beans. Full Story
Epicatechin, a flavanol ingredient of dark chocolate, reduced stroke damage in mice that were treated with the compound 90 minutes before experiencing the attack, researchers reported. Flavanol works by activating the Nrf2 and heme oxygenase pathways that protect brain nerve cells. Full Story
According to recent studies by the Human Olfaction Laboratory at London's Middlesex University, chocolate aroma appears to play a role in helping people relax, reducing stress and anxiousness. Full Story
People with cirrhosis who ate dark chocolate saw reduced blood pressure in the liver, researchers found. Doctors compared white chocolate and dark chocolate for patients with end-stage liver disease, and found benefits only with the dark chocolate. Full Story
Just a whiff of chocolate is enough to put people in a good mood, according to a study at Human Olfaction Laboratory at Middlesex University. "So far it seems that the smell of chocolate really does make people less stressed and anxious, and more relaxed," said researcher Neil Martin. Full Story
Small amounts of chocolate can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a study by German researchers published in the European Heart Journal... Full Story
For people with high levels of anxiety, dark chocolate might be the ticket to a less-stressed life. According to research from the Nestlé Research Center, a daily serving of 40 grams of dark chocolate might help people with anxiety improve their metabolism and improve gut microflora, while reducing stress. Full Story
In a study in Australia, people with mild hypertension experienced reductions in blood pressure with consumption of 1,052 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily. However, the study found no blood-pressure reduction when 712 milligrams or less were consumed. Full Story
A Harvard study indicates that eating dark chocolate can reduce the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 52%. However, the chocolate does not appear to protect against ischemic strokes, which are far more common. Full Story
Research from Nestle scientists indicates that eating dark chocolate can improve metabolism and gut health. The results were statistically significant only in people with a metabolic profile indicating high anxiety. Full Story
People who eat chocolate may have a lower risk of having a stroke and a lower risk of death after suffering a stroke, according to two studies presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 – 17, 2010. Full Story
Participants who ate a half-ounce of dark chocolate daily for two weeks displayed reduced stress hormone levels, researchers say. The changes were found in volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed at the start of the study. Full Story
A study published in the latest edition of a highly-regarded scientific journal concludes that stearic acid, although chemically a saturated fat, has less of an impact on cholesterol than other saturated fatty acids. This is positive news for the chocolate industry, as stearic acid comprises about 50% of the saturated fat in cocoa butter. Full Story
Consumption of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate may protect DNA from oxidative damage, preventing artery hardening and heart disease, says a new study... Full Story
Seven reasons why chocolate is healthy. Regarded by many as the tastiest food on Earth, dark chocolate also has many health benefits. Full Story
A study using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry showed that consuming 20 grams of dark chocolate twice daily for two weeks lowered stress hormones and stress-related biochemical markers in highly-stressed individuals. The results suggest that eating dark chocolate daily could have a positive and long-term effect on stressed people. Full Story
The levels of antioxidant activity and flavan-3-ol levels in chocolate products are stable over a controlled shelf life of one year, according to a new study... Full Story
Eating dark chocolate high in flavanols might help protect the skin against the aging effects of UV rays, researchers at European Dermatology London found. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of dark chocolate also might lower the risk of skin cancer. Full Story
The flavonoids in cocoa can help protect people at a high risk of cardiovascular disease from developing atherosclerosis, found a study. The cocoa reduced the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients. Full Story
Those who drank cocoa-flavored milk had lower levels of inflammatory markers associated with heart disease than those drinking the milk alone, according to a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reported HealthDay. Full Story
Patients who take daily supplements of high-antioxidant chocolate might be able to reduce inflammation, a study found. As a result, the chocolate can boost heart health. Full Story
Drinks or high sugar-containing chocolate may be the best formulations for boosting antioxidant levels in the blood, suggests a new study from Kraft Foods... Full Story
Dietary supplements of cocoa may repress inflammatory responses in the brain linked to migraines, suggest results from an animal study... Full Story
Innovative emulsions containing up to 60 per cent water may reduce the fat content of chocolate and offer low-fat formulations, suggests new research from the UK... Full Story
A new study found that the risk of death from heart disease is about three times lower in heart attack survivors who eat chocolate at least two or more times a week compared with those who do not. "Our findings support increasing evidence that chocolate is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds," the researchers said. Full Story
A retired dentist in Australia developed Sweet William, a sugarless chocolate designed to help prevent cavities. The chocolate is supposed to be eaten before and after meals and is designed to help prevent food from getting stuck in the teeth. Full Story
A study using rats suggests that consumption of cocoa powder enriched in flavonoids might improve heart health and decrease blood pressure. The study, funded by Natraceutical, used the company's CocoanOX, a good source of flavonoids. Full Story
Flavonol, a natural antioxidant found in cocoa, has been found to sharpen the brain's math skills, according to a new British study. It presents a fresh opportunity to market chocolate as a health drink. Full Story
Chocolate is described as fatty and sugar-filled on one hand and heart-healthy, with antioxidants and flavonoids, on the other. And the truth is, it's a little bit of both, but it depends on the type and amount you consume. Full Story
A French study published in the international scientific journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that cocoa polyphenols had an antidepressant-like effect in a test on animals that mirrors depressive feelings in humans. More study is needed to determine the active components of the cocoa extract. Full Story
Dark chocolate might help boost the energy of those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, researchers at Hull York Medical School found. The polyphenols might increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which affects fatigue. Full Story
Unsweetened cocoa powder is one of the most healthful ways to eat chocolate. Hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa powder has four times the amount of antioxidants as green tea does, a study found. Full Story
Through the ages, chocolate has been used for medicinal purposes. In the past century, its use has declined as people turn to the pharmaceutical industry. The recent trend to look toward natural healing leads us back to remedies from the past. Chocolate's health benefits have been no stranger to the limelight. Full Story
The daily consumption of 17 grams of ACTICOA dark chocolate, containing 500 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols, for two weeks helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, according to new research presented at Health Ingredients Europe (HIE) 2008 Show in Paris... Full Story
Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis may reduce levels of inflammation, which is associated with heart and blood vessel disease. A study found benefits from consuming as much as one 20-gram serving of chocolate every three days. Full Story
Natural cocoa powders contain more antioxidants than Dutch processed cocoa powder, found researchers from Hershey. But even Dutched cocoa has significant levels of good-for-you flavanols compared with other foods. Full Story
Moderate consumption of dark chocolate can help to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to an Italian study published this week... Full Story
The antioxidants in chocolate can help fight heart disease and cancer. Tannins in chocolate can boost dental health, slowing the growth of plaque. Also, cocoa may help raise levels of HDL, the good cholesterol. Full Story
Confectioners may seek to develop new formulations that use cocoa powder and baking chocolate, as new evidence suggests these two chocolate foods deliver the highest levels of the health-busting antioxidant resveratrol. Full Story
Women who ate chocolate during their pregnancies give birth to happier, more positive and more active babies, researchers said. The mood-lifting chemicals in chocolate may have passed from mother to child. Full Story
Flavanol-rich chocolate may boost blood flow in the brain and reduce the risk of dementia and stroke, Boston-based researchers have reported.
Full Story
Dark chocolate can improve both blood pressure and blood vessel
function, found researchers at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research
Center. Researchers analyzed the effects of Hershey's Extra Dark
Chocolate on the vascular system. Full Story
Diabetics might find a new reason to indulge in that cup of cocoa. A recent study has found enriched forms of the beverage contain ingredients that can help ward off heart disease. Full Story
A daily dose of dark chocolate could help lower cholesterol. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of eating two CocoaVia bars every day. The dark chocolate bars include an additive of plant sterols to help lower cholesterol. Full Story
Alkalising cocoa beans reduces the total flavanoid content by two-thirds, reducing the antioxidant potential of the product, according to new research. Full Story
Consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa may not boost heart health, and could actually increase pulse rates, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research examined the short terms effects of dark chocolate and cocoa on variables associated with neuropsychological functioning and cardiovascular health in healthy older adults, reported Food Production Daily. Full Story
Consuming chocolate containing plant sterols and cocoa flavanols can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Plant sterols, natural compounds found in certain vegetable oils, cereals, fruits and vegetables, were previously shown to be safe and effective in lowering cholesterol levels, and this study adds to that body of research, reported Food Production Daily. Full Story
An industry sponsored, peer reviewed study has found consuming chocolate containing plant sterols and cocoa flavanols can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Full Story
Four hybrid cocoa species developed in Ghana to have improved resistance to pest damage during storage have similar nutritional properties to conventional cocoa, says a study that topples a barrier to commercial production... Full Story
A new survey found that 27% of consumers in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. buy chocolates to help boost their moods. The survey, commissioned by Barry Callebaut, also found that 21% of these consumers are interested in chocolates that contain functional ingredients. Full Story
Chocolate is the leader of the growing "mood food" category with an estimated market worth at least $100 million, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. The report, however, warned that the market including foods that make people feel happy could be regarded as a "passing fad" unless chocolate products gain health claims status in Europe. Full Story
Why You Need Chocolate. It can heal your heart and mind – but you have to eat the right kind. Here's what to avoid, what to indulge in! Full Story
Regular consumption of chocolate may weaken bone density and strength, which in turn could increase the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and fracture, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Women who ate chocolate daily had an overall bone density 3.1% lower than those who consume it less than once a week, reported Confectionery News. Full Story
Dark chocolate risks tumbling from its "good for you" confectionery pedestal, as a UK medical journal claims that many manufacturers in fact remove the heart healthy element – the flavanols... Full Story
Forget the tree, the carols, the family gatherings and the jolly old man in the red suit. Let's talk about what really makes people happy this time of year – chocolate. According to a recent study, chocolate can make people happy – really happy – any time of the year. Full Story
Barry Callebaut is forging ahead with research that could establish the humble cocoa bean as one of the most potent healthy foods available to man, according to the chocolate giant's chief innovation officer... Full Story
There's an increasing amount of research that calls chocolate a health food, holistic nutrition practitioner Victoria Laine says. Her book, "Health by Chocolate," explains how to get the benefits of raw cacao, which studies have found might protect against heart disease and even some cancers. Canada.com
Phytobase Nutritionals will introduce a new functional organic chocolate called Amoriss, which is said to contain antioxidant-rich superfruit acai, pomegranate and red wine extract. Confectioners Barry Callebaut and Hershey-owned Dagoba this year also released chocolate products that contain probiotics and superfruit. Full Story
A Japanese study of 39 healthy adults found that flavonoid-rich dark chocolate can help improve blood flow in the coronary arteries. Participants who ate 550 milligrams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks were found to have improved coronary flow velocity reserve, while those who ate the same amount of white chocolate over the same period showed no change in CFVR. The Washington Post/HealthDay News
Chocolate study signals way to personalized health diets. A study has shed new light on people's food preferences and a specific chemical signature that can be programmed into the metabolic system, leading the way to healthy diets that cater to an individual's needs. Full Story
Chocolate cravings could be a result of stomach bacteria in people's digestive system that is linked to a desire for chocolate, according to a study at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, reported Fox News Channel. Full Story
Dark chocolate may help alleviate the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, a British study says. The study's lead author says polyphenols in dark chocolate are responsible for a reduction of symptoms of the condition, which is characterized by muscle fatigue after physical exertion. BBC
Several research articles have been published recently in scientific and medical journals concerning the benefits of products based on cocoa (Theobroma cacao, Sterculiaceae), including chocolate, for cardiovascular health. Full Story
Study: Chocolate Better than Flouride for Healthy Teeth? New research suggests an extract of cocoa powder that occurs naturally in chocolates, teas, and other products might be an effective natural alternative to fluoride in toothpaste, according to Tulane University. Full Story
Chocolate lovers have one more reason to celebrate. It seems that eating just 30 calories a day of dark chocolate a day can help lower blood pressure, without weight gain or other side effects, according to a new study. Full Story
Cocoa compound boosts memory, scientists say! A natural compound found in cocoa, blueberries, tea and grapes enhances memory in mice, especially when combined with exercise, according to newly published research. More
Cocoa powder contains an extract that is more powerful
for fighting cavities than fluoride, Tulane University
researchers have found. The compound consists of a white
power that often is found in chocolate and can be used in
a toothpaste to help harden tooth enamel and prevent cavities. ConfectioneryNews.com
Study:
Chocolate sweetens men's health Chocolate-loving
older men tend to be leaner, more educated, skinnier
and suffer from diabetes less than those who eat other sweets,
according to a new study reported in the European Journal
of Clinical Nutrition. Semisweet chocolate eaters also had
better attitudes about their lives and were still planning
for the future, the study found. China
Daily (Beijing)
Study: Flavanol-rich cocoa boosts blood vessel function Researchers have discovered daily consumption of a specially created cocoa drink might have a positive effect on blood vessel health. The cocoa studied was rich in flavanols, naturally occurring compounds found in freshly harvested cocoa that can be destroyed during standard processing and manufacturing procedures. Newindpress.com (India)
As if people needed another excuse to like chocolate, new studies suggest a specially formulated type of cocoa may boost brain function and delay decline as people age, researchers said on Sunday. Full Story
Barry Callebaut has produced a new website www.acticoa.com entirely devoted to promoting the nutritional benefits of cocoa in an effort to counteract the increasingly unhealthy image of chocolate products and their unpopularity in a health-conscious market. Full Story
The Chocolate Manufacturers Association released a guide to cacao content labels to provide consumers with useful information and help them understand cacao terminology, reported Confectionery News.com. Full Story
Nearly half of Americans (46%) eat chocolate at least a few times per week, according to a recent survey by Barry Callebaut. Approximately four out of 10 Americans (43%) would buy chocolate that promises health benefits, and almost half of those surveyed (45%) would be willing to pay more for "health enhancing" chocolate. Full Story
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that chocolate thins blood and protects the heart in the same
way as aspirin. Flavanol is the key compound in
chocolate which slows down platelet clumping that can block
off blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or stroke,
reported the Houston Chronicle. Full
Story
Study: Chocolate more exciting than kissing – A private research study found that the effects of eating
chocolate on the heart rate and brain activity were more
intense and long-lasting than the effects of kissing. Six
couples in their 20s were monitored once as semisweet chocolate
melted in their mouth and again as the couples kissed. "While
we fully expected chocolate, especially dark chocolate,
to increase heart rates due to the fact it contains some
highly stimulating substances, both the length of this increase
together with the powerful effects it had on the mind were
something none of us had anticipated," one psychologist
said. The
Age (Melbourne, Australia)
Drinking an unprocessed kind of cocoa that is not yet commercially
available may help improve blood vessel function, according
to a new report published in The Journal of Hypertension.
The study's authors receive grant support from Mars Inc.,
which also supplied the cocoa used in the experiments, reported
The New York Times on the Web. Full
Story
Candy industry focused on health – The annual candy expo
of the National
Confectioners Association was recently held
in Chicago to showcase new product innovations. The development
of healthier alternatives to conventional snack products
was a common theme at this year's expo. Low-calorie candy
products were unveiled by several companies including Hershey
Co., Nestle USA, and Russell Stover Candy Co.'s Whitman's
unit. The chocolate manufacturer Botticelli promoted a new
"cardio" bar featuring 400 milligrams of the heart-healthy
omega-3 fatty acids. Candy fortified with various nutrients
remains a strong trend in the industry. According to a report
by the Mintel Group, more than 100 fortified chocolate and
candy products have entered the market since 2003. The most
common types of fortification include calcium, omega-3s
and vitamin C.
A new study suggests that eating milk chocolate
may boost brain function. "Chocolate contains many
substances that act as stimulants, such as theobromine,
phenethylamine, and caffeine,which by themselves have previously
been found to increase alertness and attention," according
to Dr. Bryan Raudenbush from Wheeling Jesuit University,
WV.
WebMD answers questions on Chocolate
and Your Health in a Feb,2006 article.
Why
Cocoa May Help Heart Health. Antioxidants
Are Key – and Not Always Saved in Cocoa Processing.
Antioxidants in cocoa might help your heart by keeping your
blood vessels relaxed, thus easing blood pressure and helping
circulation. So says a study in Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences.
Dark-chocolate sales increased 42% over the last
five years, and one in three new chocolate products
is semisweet chocolate so far this year, compared with one
in seven in 2005, according to ACNielsen. As demand for
quality dark chocolate grew, the industry rushed to cater
to its core customers, women ages 25 to 40, who, surveys
by Mintel indicate, consume on average eight servings a
month. Hershey's, Godiva, Nestle's and Ghirardelli are among
the brands catering to this trend, reported The Philadelphia
Inquirer. Full
Story
Many American chocolate companies have begun labeling their bars according
to cacao content, a blend of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Chocolate's
taste is influenced more by the origin, blend and roasting of the cocoa
beans. A professor of baking and pastry at the Culinary Institute of America,
expects the next wave in chocolate marketing to focus on origin and variety
of cocoa beans, similar to how coffee is classified, reported TwinCitites.com. Full
Story
A new study reveals the chemical in chocolate
that produces known heart-healthy benefits. The
research found that epicatechin, one of a group of chemicals
known as flavanols, is directly linked to improved circulation
and other hallmarks of cardiovascular health. Full
Story
Chocolate may help repair damage to smokers' blood
vessels, at least temporarily, a new study shows.
The benefit may stem from antioxidants called flavonols
that are found in chocolate (and fruits and vegetables),
according to researchers in the Journal of the American
College of Cardiology, reported Fox News. Full
Story
Flavanols Key To Potential Chocolate Benefits (September 29, 2005) – Phytochemicals known as flavanols,
which are found in chocolate, fruits and vegetables, can
boost the levels of nitric oxide in the blood of smokers
and reverse some of their smoking-related impairment in
blood vessel function, according to a new study in the Oct.
4, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American College of
Cardiology. full
story
Researchers at the University of L'Aquila in Italy found
that bittersweet chocolate may help the body use
insulin more effectively and decrease blood pressure
Eating bittersweet chocolate can result in short-term
improvements in arterial function and blood pressure,
according to a new study conducted at Yale University's
Prevention Research Center and funded by The Hershey Company.
All products containing natural cocoa have flavanol
antioxidants, confirmed a study sponsored by The
Hershey Company in conjunction with Cornell University and
Brunswick Laboratories. The study also found that the level
of antioxidants in commonly available chocolate products
is directly related to the amount of natural cocoa contained
in that product.
Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure,
according to a study published by the American Heart Association.
The study joins a growing body of research that show compounds
found in chocolate called flavonoids can help the blood
vessels work more smoothly, perhaps reducing the risk of
heart disease.
Dark chocolate, but not white chocolate, may help
reduce blood pressure and boost the body's ability
to metabolize sugar from food, according to the results
of a study from the University of L'Aquila in Italy.
Upscale chocolate company Bissinger's Handcrafted
Chocolatier's is using health claims to tout its
new Spa Chocolate, which urges consumers to "treat yourself
to good health." The packaging says the candies contain
ingredients "linked to improved cardiovascular health, lowered
risk for certain types of cancer, a reduction in body weight
and a slowing of the aging process," but critics disagree,
reported STLtoday.com
The new Mars chocolate bar, called "Cocoa
Via," contains a soybean extract that has been
known to lower cholesterol. The candy bars, not yet in grocery
stores, can be ordered online.
A 15-year investigation into the molecular composition
and nutritional effects of cocoa, known in-house as the
''healthy chocolate'' initiative, by Mars Inc. Harold Schmitz,
who oversees research for the firm with $17 billion in annual
sales, seems to hope that cocoa – or more precisely, cocoa
processed according to Mars's special methods, with extremely
high flavanol levels – will then turn out to be among the
most potent and popular functional foods yet created. Article
Cardiologists at Athens Medical School in Greece found
that eating dark chocolate appears to improve the
function of important cells lining the wall of blood vessels for at least three hours. But experts cautioned that the
weight gain from eating a lot of bittersweet chocolate probably
would cancel out the apparent benefit.
Eating dark chocolate helps blood vessels function
more effectively, according to University of California
researchers writing in the Journal of the American College
of Nutrition, reported BBC News. Full
Story
European researchers found milk and other dairy
products somehow discourage the body's ability to absorb
the protective compounds in chocolate. Details
of the study appeared the science journal Nature,
reported Cape Argus. Full
Story
A small study published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association suggests that eating bittersweet
chocolate can lower your blood pressure. The short
study would need to be confirmed in larger, longer-term
ones before doctors could recommend treatment with chocolate,
researchers say, reported The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Candy makers and other food companies are marketing
low-carbohydrate chocolates for adherents of the Atkins
diet and other eating plans that restrict starchy and sugary
foods. Manufacturers acknowledge that the low-carb
candies contain the same sugar substitutes as sugar-free
chocolates, but say that the new product packages will make
more dieters aware of their snacking options, reported AZCentral.com.
Chocolate's Secret Power – Just 1 oz of dark chocolate
packs a big antioxidant wallop, according to this Prevention.com article. You've read it before: Dark chocolate, the richer
in cocoa the better, is not only a to-die-for treat, it's
actually good for you. And just 1 oz. of a very special chocolate
packs more than twice the healthy antioxidant punch of red
wine or other dark chocolates.
Chocolate and cocoa may help prevent heart attacks, according to researchers at the University of
California at San Francisco. So far, just two commercially
available chocolate products – Dove dark chocolate bars
and M&M Baking Bits – are known to contain high levels
of flavanol, the substance linked to heart health, the study
found. UCSF |
