Cocoa Flavanols

Brain-impaired elderly subjects appear to most benefit from cocoa flavanols: Review

30-Jun-2017 By Will Chu

Flavanol-rich chocolate is well known for its beneficial effect on the brain, but a review by Italian researchers point towards its neuroprotective effects in vulnerable populations over time.

Healthy chocolate: EU cocoa flavanol health claim ‘should be revised’, say researchers

06-Jul-2016 By Oliver Nieburg

Cocoa flavanols do have cardiovascular health benefits, but more are needed in a single dose than the EU’s approved health claim, say researchers.

Science brief

Study confirms safe doses of cocoa flavanols for supplements & fortified products

11-Nov-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consuming up to two grams per day of cocoa flavanols for 12 weeks is well tolerated in healthy men and women, says a new study from scientists from Mars Inc. and the University of California, Davis.

Mars gears up for large-scale cocoa flavanol pill study

20-Mar-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Chocolate giant Mars and the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute are readying themselves for a five-year research project into possible heart-health benefits of taking a daily flavanol-rich capsule. 

Dispatches from the NCA State of the Industry Conference in Miami

US cocoa flavanol health claim nears but ‘not quite there yet’

10-Mar-2014 By Oliver Nieburg

More clinical trials are needed for a US health claim on cocoa flavanols, according to the National Confectioners’ Association’s technical director.

Special Edition: Polyphenols

Callebaut: More specific cocoa flavanol content claims will increase

28-Jan-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

Despite the growing body of research extolling the health benefits of flavanols found in cocoa, chocolate product manufacturers have yet to fully embrace front-of-pack claims calling out these compounds—with many still opting for more general “antioxidant”...

Upcoming Special Edition

What’s at the heart of functional and healthy confectionery?

03-Jun-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

ConfectioneryNews explores the issues at the pulse of healthier and functional chocolate, candy and gum.

Barry Callebaut-funded study

Dark chocolate enhances mood but not cognition, say researchers

15-May-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

Cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate may keep you calmer and content but no link has been established with enhanced cognitive performance, according to a study funded by Barry Callebaut.

High-flavanol cocoa repairs blood vessels in CVD patients - Mars

08-Jul-2010 By Jane Byrne

Cocoa flavanols could improve poor blood vessel function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to research by a team of researchers, including scientists from confectionery maker, Mars Inc.

Cocoa compounds may ease exercise-related heart function

10-Mar-2010 By Stephen Daniells

Consumption of a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols may boost blood flow to the muscles and ease the demands on the heart during exercising, says a new study from Australia.

Study thickens the science of cocoa’s heart benefits

05-Mar-2010 By Stephen Daniells

Regular consumption of cocoa flavanols may decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, but only at high doses, says a new study from Australia.

Cocoa-derived Cirku launched for better circulation

12-Jun-2009 By Jess Halliday

Mars Botanical is launching a new flavanol-rich cocoa extract called Cirku for use in products aimed at maintaining healthy circulation.