1. Cocoa & Science: Your Health’s Future
Steven Warren MD DPA
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2. ANTIOXIDANT/OXIDATIVE STRESS
Free-Radical Damage = Medical Conditions
Healthy Chocolate = Free Radical-Fighting
Cocoa is High in Antioxidants
Cocoa’s ORAC = 10x that of Spinach
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3. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Theobroma cacao L. is known to have potential cardiovascular and cancer
chemopreventive activities because of its high content of phenolic
phytochemicals and their antioxidant capacities.”
J Agric Food Chem Nov 2. Protective Activity of Theobroma cacao L. Phenolic
Extract on AML12 and MLP29 Liver Cells by Preventing Apoptosis and inducing Autophagy.
“Cocoa flavonoids have shown a powerful antioxidant activity
providing protection against oxidation and helping prevent
oxidative stress-related diseases.”
J Nutr Biochem Feb 4. Cocoa flavonoids up-regulate antioxidant enzyme activity
via the ERK1/2 pathway to protect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
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4. Cocoa Enhances Immune Cells Function
IMMUNE FUNCTION
Key Benefits:
Cocoa Enhances Immune Cells Function
Cocoa Has Antimicrobial Properties
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5. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Studies in this line suggest that high-dose cocoa intake
in young rats favours the T helper 1 (Th1) response and
increases intestinal gammadelta T lymphocyte count.”
Br J Nutr Apr;101(7): Cocoa: antioxidant and immunomodulator.
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6. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Cocoa protects Heart and Vascular systems
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Relieves Inflammation
Stimulates production of Nitric Oxide
Improves platelet function
Decreases blood clotting
Controls blood sugar levels
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7. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved
endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults.”
Am J Clin Nutr Jul;88(1): Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and
endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial.
“Diets rich in flavanols reverse vascular dysfunction in diabetes,
Highlighting therapeutic potentials in cardiovascular disease.”
J Am Coll Cardiol Jun 3;51(22): Sustained benefits in vascular function
through flavanol-containing cocoa in medicated diabetic patients in a double-masked,
randomized, controlled trial.
“Dark chocolate induces coronary vasodilation, improves coronary vascular
function, and decreases platelet adhesion 2 hours after consumption.”
Circulation Nov 20;116(21): Dark chocolate improves coronary vasomotion
and reduces platelet reactivity.
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8. SPORTS/ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Cocoa Aids Muscle Recovery
Enhances Energy Metabolism
Improves Cardio and Lung Function
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9. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“The results of this study suggest that chocolate milk is an
effective recovery aid between two exhausting exercise bouts.”
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab Feb;16(1): Chocolate milk as
a post-exercise recovery aid.
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10. Improves Blood Flow to Brain Improves Mental Awareness Improves Mood
Decreases Depression
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11. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT “In this socioeconomically homogenous male cohort,
chocolate preference in old age was associated with better health,
optimism and better psychological well-being.”
Eur J Clin Nutr Feb;62(2): Chocolate, well-being and
health among elderly men.
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12. Positive Effect on Blood-Sugar Levels
DIABETES
Positive Effect on Blood-Sugar Levels
Protects Blood Vessels from Scarring
Minimizes Symptoms of Neuropathy
Protects Against Cardiovascular Issues
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13. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Dietary supplementation with [cocoa] can dose-dependently prevent
the development of hyperglycemia…The dietary intake of food or
drinks produced from cacao beans might be beneficial in preventing
the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.”
Nutrition Apr;23(4): Dietary supplementation with cacao liquor
proanthocyanidins prevents elevation of blood glucose levels in diabetic obese mice.
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14. Cocoa Combats Cholesterol Minimizes Cholesterol Absorption
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15. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Results indicate that regular consumption of chocolate as part
Of a low-fat diet may support cardiovascular health by lowering
Cholesterol and improving blood pressure.”
J Nutr Apr;138(4): Daily consumption of a dark chocolate
Containing flavanols and added sterol esters affects cardiovascular risk
Factors in a normotensive population with elevated cholesterol.
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16. Cocoa Inhibits Inflammation
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17. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Epicatechin or other flavonoids [in cocoa] were found to
suppress lipid peroxidation in LDL induced by
[the pro-inflammatory enzyme] myeloperoxidase.”
Am J Clin Nutr Jan;81(1 Suppl):304S-312S. Cocoa polyphenols and inflammatory mediators.
“In a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies, we and others
have observed that cocoa can be an anti-inflammatory modulator.”
J Med Food Feb;12(1):1-7. Cocoa flavanols and procyanidins can modulate the
lipopolysaccharide activation of polymorphonuclear cells in vitro.
“Our findings suggest that regular consumption of small doses
of dark chocolate may reduce inflammation.”
J Nutr Oct;138(10): Regular consumption of dark chocolate is associated with
low serum concentrations of C-reactive protein in a healthy Italian population.
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18. CANCER/CELL PROTECTION
Cocoa Protects Cells
Stimulates Detoxification Enzymes
Decreases Inflammation
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19. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Due to their high concentration of catechins and procyanidins,
Cocoa and chocolate products may have beneficial health effects against
oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, risk factors for cancer.
Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(5): Cancer protective properties of cocoa:
a review of the epidemiological evidence.
“A significant reduction in the incidence of prostate tumors was also
observed… In conclusion, [cocoa] protected from prostate carcinogenesis.”
Eur J Cancer Prev Feb;17(1): Protective effect of Acticoa powder, a cocoa
polyphenolic extract, on prostate carcinogenesis in Wistar Unilever rats.
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20. Slows Gum-Tissue Damage Slows Tooth Decay
ORAL HEALTH
Slows Gum-Tissue Damage
Slows Tooth Decay
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21. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT “Consuming a cocoa-enriched diet could diminish
periodontist-induced oxidative stress, which, in turn,
might suppress the progression of periodontitis.”
J Periodontol Nov;80(11): Preventive effects of a cocoa-
enriched diet on gingival oxidative stress in experimental periodontitis.
“CBHE is highly effective in reducing mutans
streptococci counts and plaque deposition when
used as a mouth rinse by children.”
J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent Jun;26(2): Chocolate
Mouth rinse: Effect on plaque accumulation and mutans streptococci
Counts when used by children.
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22. Cocoa’s antioxidant properties
VISUAL/EYE HEALTH
Cocoa’s antioxidant properties
protect the eye’s sensitive tissue and nerves.
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23. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Our findings suggest that [cocoa procyanidins] inhibits
diabetes-induced cataract formation possibly by
virtue of its antioxidative activity.”
Exp Biol Med (Maywood) Jan;229(1):33-9. Ingestion of proanthocyanidins
derived from cacao inhibits diabetes-induced cataract formation in rats.
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24. Cocoa Regulates Weight-Control Genes Suppresses Appetite
Reduces Cravings
Stabilizes Blood-Sugar Levels
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25. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by
modulating lipid metabolism, especially by decreasing fatty acid
synthesis and transport systems, and enhancement of part of the
thermogenesis mechanism in liver and white adipose tissue.”
Nutrition May;21(5): Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-
induced obesity by regulating the expression of genes for fatty acid metabolism.
“Satiety and fullness were significantly increased after
[ingesting] chocolate milk.”
Br J Nutr Mar;97(3): Increased satiety after intake of a chocolate
Milk drink compared with a carbonated beverage, but no difference in
Subsequent ad libitum lunch intake.
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26. Protects Skin from UV Radiation Minimizes Inflammation in Skin Tissue
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27. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“Our study demonstrated that regular consumption of a
chocolate rich in flavanols confers significant photoprotection
and can thus be effective at protecting human skin
from harmful UV effects.”
J Cosmet Dermatol Sep;8(3): Eating chocolate can
significantly protect the skin from UV light.
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28. Minimizes certain causes of stroke/dementia
Improves blood flow to the brain
Improves cognitive performance
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29. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
“The prospect of increasing cerebral perfusion [blood flow]
With cocoa flavanols is extremely promising.”
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S Cocoa flavanols and brain perfusion.
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30. BRAIN/STROKE “Our data suggests a promising role for regular cocoa
flavanol’s consumption in the treatment of cerebrovascular
ischemic syndromes, including dementias and stroke.”
Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat Apr;4(2): Cerebral blood flow
response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans.
“Our results show that cocoa extract and epicatechin
may exert a [brain and nerve] protective action by reducing
[free radical] production.”
Eur J Nutr Feb;48(1): Neuroprotective effect of cocoa
flavonoids on in vitro oxidative stress.
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31. COCOA’S BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Mood
Brain/Mental
Function
Eye/Visual
Health
Skin Health
Oral Health
Cardiovascular
Health
Weight Control
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32. Presented by:

33. NUMBER OF STUDIES CONDUCTED
Approx. 30 Studies
60+ Studies
12+ Studies
70+ Studies
Approx. 40 Studies
30+ Studies
Antioxidant Properties =
Cardiovascular Health =
Diabetes =
Brain Health =
Mood =
Cancer/Cell Protective Properties =
Inflammation =
Skin Health =
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34. WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE IS BEST?
Cocoa that is cold-pressed contains far more
polyphenols (epicatechins and flavanols) than
cocoa that has been roasted and heated.
How chocolate is sweetened is another
important point. Obviously, avoid products
high in refined sugars.
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35. WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE IS BEST?
Processing temperature for cacao
beans should not exceed 110°F.
Choose dried, not roasted, cacao beans that
have been washed and thoroughly cleaned.
Avoid chocolates that have undergone any
alkalization or “dutching” processes.
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36. HOW MUCH CHOCOLATE SHOULD YOU EAT?
mg of Flavonoids Daily
High Flavonoid Chocolate 3x per day
for Maximum Health Benefits
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