Flavonols are found naturally in chocolate, fruit, red wine and teas, and have previously been linked to improvements in heart health.
The new study, sponsored by confectionary giant Mars, examined the effect on blood vessel relaxation of chocolate flavanols in the form of a specially prepared cocoa drink, and then a drink containing isolated, cocoa-derived (-) epicatechin.
The initial randomised, double-blind, cross-over study gave volunteers a specially prepared cocoa drink containing either high or low concentrations of specific cocoa flavanols. Only the group that consumed the flavanol rich drink showed blood vessel relaxation.
A follow-on “proof-of-concept” study gave volunteers either a placebo drink or a drink containing isolated, cocoa-derived (-) epicatechin. The latter test group experienced similar blood vessel relaxation as for the flavanol-rich cocoa drink.
The role of (-) epicatechin was directly linked to nitric oxide, a molecule used by the endothelium to signal surrounding muscle to relax, thereby dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This supports previous research by individual team members suggesting a link between nitric oxide and cocoa flavanols.
Mars have been very active in this research area, having spent over 15 years researching the benefits of cocoa. Previous research by members of the international team has benefited from Mars sponsorship, and a mounting body of supporting evidence has strengthened the link between flavanols and nitric oxide.
The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Vol. 108, pp. 1024-1029).
Steve - this study, while promising, should be treated as would a study on a medication sponsored by the drug company who created it. While cocoa has been well-researched independently for its link to heart health, larger and longer population studies are underway and should bring more definitive data.
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