Mixed
Daily intake of 900 mg cocoa flavanols (450 mg twice daily) for 1 month significantly improves endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation) and reduces cardiovascular risk scores in healthy, middle-aged adults.
For healthy adults aged 35-60, consuming 900 mg of cocoa flavanols daily (split into two 450 mg doses) for at least one month may improve blood vessel function and lower cardiovascular risk. This can be achieved through standardized cocoa flavanol supplements or specific cocoa products. Ensure the product is standardized to contain flavanols, as regular cocoa powder may vary significantly.
In a 1-month, open-label, one-armed pilot study, bi-daily ingestion of 450 mg of CF led to a time-dependent increase in endothelial function (measured as flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD)) that plateaued after 2 weeks. Subsequently, in a randomised, controlled, double-masked, parallel-group dietary intervention trial... 100 healthy, middle-aged (35–60 years) men and women consumed either the CF-containing drink (450 mg) or a nutrient-matched CF-free control bi-daily for 1 month... At 1 month, CF increased FMD over control by 1·2 %... CF decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure... pulse wave velocity... total cholesterol... and LDL-cholesterol... whereas HDL-cholesterol increased... CF predicted a significant lowering of 10-year risk for CHD, myocardial infarction, CVD, death from CHD and CVD.
Why this rating
Randomized, controlled, double-masked trial with a reasonable sample size (n=100) and clear statistical significance, though limited to 1 month duration.
Source
Cocoa flavanol intake improves endothelial function and Framingham Risk Score in healthy men and women: a randomised, controlled, double-masked trial: the Flaviola Health Study
Roberto Sansone et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2015
DOI 10.1017/s0007114515002822
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