The Anti-Oxidant Benefits of Cocoa
The Anti-Oxidant Benefits of Cocoa
by Claire Allen, RD
Preliminary results are in for the first large-scale trial to test the long-term effects of cocoa flavanol supplements, suggesting that supplementation may assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The COSMOS (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study) trial is the largest randomized double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical study investigating the long-term impact of cocoa extract supplementation on health as we age. The study initially looked at the impact of supplementation on cardiovascular disease and cancer, but investigators plan to leverage the data to study cognitive decline and various other age-related outcomes.
In the study, 500 mg of cocoa flavanol supplementation was evaluated over a 5-year period on approximately 21,000 participants over the age of 60. The study found that cocoa flavanols reduced cardiovascular events by 10%, but this was not statistically significant, indicating it could have occurred by chance. However, secondary analyses revealed a significant 27% reduction in death from cardiovascular disease. Supplementation of cocoa extract by itself did not appear to have a significant impact in preventing cancer risk.
Does this mean that eating more chocolate will prevent cardiovascular disease? Not necessarily. More studies are required that show the effects of cocoa flavanols from chocolate in typical portions consumed in the American diet. Keep in mind that foods containing chocolate often also contain high levels of calories, fat, and sugar, which are contributing factors to cardiovascular disease.
Are you interested in learning more about other beneficial anti-inflammatory ingredients to add to your diet? Schedule an appointment with one of our registered dietitians at 224-407-4400 or at www.compgihealth.com #cocoa #cardiovasculardisease #hearthealth
Sources:
https://www.cocoavia.com/pages/the-cosmos-trial
https://www.brighamandwomens.org/…/press-releases…