Cocoa extracts may benefit cholesterol levels: Study

By Stephen Daniells

- Last updated on GMT

Cocoa extracts may benefit cholesterol levels: Study

Related tags Cocoa powder Cardiovascular disease Atherosclerosis

A combination of cocoa and skimmed milk may beneficially affect cholesterol levels in the blood, according to new data from Spain.

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.

“The results of this study provide further evidence for recommending regular consumption of cocoa as a useful tool against risk factors for [coronary heart disease],”​ they wrote in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases​.

Choc-full of goodness?

The health benefits of polyphenols from cocoa have been gathering increasing column inches in the national media. To date studies have reported potential benefits for cardiovascular health, skin health, and even brain health.

The majority of science into the potential benefits of cocoa have revolved around cardiovascular benefits of the flavanols (also known as flavan-3-ols or catechins), and particularly the monomeric flavanol (-)epicatechin.

Most of the globe’s confectionery giants have spent R&D dollars on exploring the potential health benefits of cocoa, including Mars, Nestlé, and Hershey.

The new study used cocoa from Spanish food company Nutrexpa.

Study details

The Barcelona-based scientists recruited 42 volunteers with a mean age of 70 to participate in their randomized, crossover feeding trial. All the participants received 500 mL of skimmed milk/day with or without 40g of cocoa powder for 4 weeks. The 40 grams of cocoa powder provided 495.2 milligrams of polyphenols and 425.7 milligrams of proanthocyanidins.

At the end of the study the researchers found that milk plus cocoa was associated with a 5 percent increase in HDL cholesterol levels, compared to only milk.

In addition, cocoa plus milk was associated with a 14 percent reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, compared to milk only.

How?

Commenting on the potential mechanism of action, the researchers note that the polyphenols in cocoa may bind to LDL particles and therefore prevent them from being oxidized.

Concerning the increase in HDL, they note that the mechanism remains to be elucidated, but it may be related to polyphenols boosting the production of a molecule called apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, which is the main protein component of HDL.

Source: Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2011.02.001
“Regular consumption of cocoa powder with milk increases HDL cholesterol and reduces oxidized LDL levels in subjects at high-risk of cardiovascular disease”
Authors: N. Khan, M. Monagas, C. Andres-Lacueva, R. Casas, M. Urpí-Sardà, R.M. Lamuela-Raventós, R. Estruch

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Content provided by Aker BioMarine | 14-Feb-2024 | White Paper

The global population is getting older—according to WHO by 2050 the world’s population over 60 years will double and the population above 80 years will...

Latest Research Findings on Omega-3s for Heart Health

Latest Research Findings on Omega-3s for Heart Health

Content provided by GC Rieber VivoMega™ | 12-Feb-2024 | White Paper

According to Grandview Research, the global omega-3 market is a $2.62 billion market and is one of the fastest-growing segments in the dietary supplement...

Kaneka Ubiquinol® and Preconception Health

Kaneka Ubiquinol® and Preconception Health

Content provided by Kaneka Nutrients – Manufacturer and Supplier of Kaneka Ubiquinol® | 02-Feb-2024 | White Paper

An ally in the fight against oxidative stress, Kaneka Ubiquinol® offers antioxidant support for men and women concerned about reproductive health.

Related suppliers

2 comments

Cholesterol

Posted by Teresa Faulkner,

This is really great. More discoveries such as this only proves that cholesterol can be controlled effectively by natural diets and exercise. I like this post Will definitely post a retweet. I'm a cholesterol researcher, please find me at http://tipsforlowercholesterol.com/foods-for-lower-cholesterol.html

Report abuse

Research in Cocoa

Posted by Antropia Luna,

This is a well researched article. I appreciate the depth and detail--not a fluff article about the rich stuff of cocoa. Thanks
wwww.joannavargas.com

Report abuse

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars