Healthy chocolate-in-2012

SECTION 1
Index
Background & History 4
Notable Mentions of Cacao in History 4
Other Historical References 4
Post-Industrial Chocolate: From Good to Bad 5
Modern Living. Modern Diseases 5

SECTION 2
The Power of Antioxidants 6
Source #1 - Acai Berry 6
Source #2 - Blueberries 7
Source #3 - Unprocessed Dark Chocolate 8

SECTION 3
An Explanation of Cacao’s Ingredients 10

SECTION 4
Our Chocolate Report Purpose - Six Parts 11
The Chocolate Puzzle
Part 1 - Flavanol Availability 11
Part 2 - Cacao Positively Affects Health 11
Part 3 - Increases in Antioxidants 11
Part 4 - Recent/Ongoing Dark Cacao Studies 11
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Part 5 - Revealing Isoprostane Molecule 12
Part 6 - The Facts Regarding CVD 13

SECTION 5
The Eight Case Studies 14
#1 - Postmenopausal Woman 14
#2 - Kuna Indian Population 14
#3 - Illinois Study on Blood Pressure 14
#4 - United Kingdom Study on Blood Pressure 14
#5 - University of Utah Study on Blood Pressure 14
#6 - Yale Study on Blood Pressure 15
#7 - Swiss Study on Blood Pressure 15
#8 - UC Davis Study - Cacao Offers
Protection From Tissue Damage 15
Misled Studies - Quantities & Timing Matters 15

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SECTION 6
Index
The Three Research Studies 16
Study #1 - Tufts University & L’Aquilla University 16
Study #2 - Cacao Benefits on Cerebral Blood Flow 16
Study #3 - Cacao Benefits on Parkinson’s Disease & Dementia 16
Parkinson’s Disease 17
Dementia 17

SECTION 7
The Three Study Papers Benefits With Inflammation 17
Study #1 - Kare Cooper 17
Study #2 - Italy 2008 17
Study #3 - Baltimore 17
How Does it Work - UC Davis & Italy Studies 18

SECTION 8
Cacao Benefits with Blood Vessels 18

SECTION 9
Cacao Benefits Cholesterol Levels ( Good and Bad) 18
Study #1 - John Hopkins 18
Study #2 - University of Utah 19

SECTION 10

Cacao Benefits Memory, Aging & Immunity 19
Study #1 - Finland 19
Depression 19
Immune System 19
Study #2 - Recent European Studies 19

CONCLUSION 20

CONTRIBUTOR BIOGRAPHY 21

WORKS CITED 26


Background & History

Section 1 Notable Mentions of
Background & History Cacao in History
The cacao tree was
scientifically named There is no denying that cocoa has played Thomas Jefferson: “The superiority of chocolate,
‘Theobroma-Cacao’, a major role in the development of both both for health and nourishment, will soon give
which literally means, Mesoamerican and European History. Even it the preference over tea and coffee in America
“food of the gods”. today, fortunes are won and lost on the which it has in Spain” (1).
price fluctuations of this highly sought-after
commodity, as traders bet on the moves of William Clark (famed explorer): “I felt my
cocoa futures. Cocoa is produced in mass Self [sic] very unwell and derected [sic] a
amounts in only a handful of countries around little Chocolate which Mr. McClellan gave us,
the world, many of which are not always prepared of which I drunk about a pint and
politically or economically stable. found great relief…”

“Chocolate is a perfect Recent discoveries in Honduras showed traces Baron Justus von Liebig (German chemist):
food, as wholesome as it is of cocoa on cups and plates dating back to “Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it
delicious...” 2000 B.C. Between 200 and 900 A.D., the is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted
- Baron Justus von Liebig Mayan culture celebrated cocoa as a central power. It is the best friend of those engaged in
part of their agriculture, economy, medicine and literary pursuits.”
religion.
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (lawyer,
Still used today, the word “cacao” is derived politician): “It has been
from ancient Olmec and subsequent Mayan shown as proof positive
languages (“kakaw”), while the term “cacahuatl,” that carefully prepared
From the ancient, also related to the root origin of cacao, is from chocolate is as healthful
detailed records of the ancient Aztec. a food as it is pleasant;
Mesoamericans, we have that it is nourishing and
discovered over 150 easily digested... that
documented medicinal In 1737, Swedish scientist Carolus Linnaeus it is above all helpful to
uses for cacao. named the tree that produces these unsightly, people who must do a
yet highly prized cocoa bean pods “Theobroma great deal of mental work.”
cacao”—
literally
Other Historical

meaning
“cocoa, References
food of the Deanna Pucciarelli and Louis Grivetti from the
gods,” in a University of California, Davis recently published
reference to a paper titled, “The Medicinal Use of Chocolate
the mythical in Early North America.” This paper discussed
history of the the long history of medicinal chocolate in North
tree among ancient Mesoamericans. America dating back to the 16th century (2).
The paper suggested that medicinal chocolate
While cocoa was a celebrated and valued was very prominent in many of the remedies
part of ancient Mesoamerican society, ancient prescribed for an assortment of illnesses,
records have also revealed more than 150 uses referring to advertisements of the day, including
of cocoa for medicinal purposes. the following: “Always on hand pure cocoa and
Homeopathic Chocolate, without any admixture
of spices, are to be had, by the single cake or by
Europeans were first introduced to cacao by the box of 25 pounds each.”
the Spanish conquistadors around 1505 A.D.
By the mid-1600’s, European healers were In 1849, the Scientific American Journal
“prescribing” cacao as a medicine to stimulate published the statement, “During last summer,
the health function of the spleen and digestive those individuals who were habitually using
tract, as well as a cure for all manner of ailments chocolate or broma, neither had attacks of
and diseases. Cacao was valued as a means cholera or dysenteric affections, while other in
to heal colds and coughing attacks, enhance the same families, taking their daily potations of
mental acuity, fight inflammation, and improve tea, coffee, or simple cold water, were suffers.”
overall nutrition. In the rest of this paper, we
will refer to cacao as cocoa, implying the Dr. Albert Bellow suggested that “Cocoa
unprocessed form of this amazing food. differs from tea and coffee in that it is rich in


nutritious food, and having in it no tannin or it was also being produced with added fats and
other deleterious elements, its theobromine, or sugars as a cheap candy.
characteristic property, being connected with The mid- to late-1800s saw the creation of a
albumen – a muscle-making element.” tremendous market for chocolate penny candy,
The average American as well as for fancy boxed chocolates that
consumes 10 to 12 Cocoa products were considered “well- have since become synonymous with love and
pounds (4.5 kilograms)
known [as] valuable foods, since they [act] as courtship.
of chocolate every year.
respiratory excitants.”
By the 1950s, chocolate had completely lost its
Advertisements in the late 1800’s touted cocoa’s association with health and healing. Many of
beneﬁts for patients with asthma, bronchial, and today’s most famous chocolate companies got
lung trouble. their start during the Great Depression, known
to those in the business as the “hungry thirties”
The famous physician due to the popularity of this cheap diversion
Dr. Benjamin Rush from the doldrums of everyday life during
wrote, “Chocolate the economic crisis. Are we experiencing the
differs considerably “hungry 2000s” today?
from both [tea and
coffee], possessing Modern Living.
no exhilarating virtue,
Modern Diseases.
or only in a small
degree, but is more
nutritive, and in South
America constitutes a Pollution. Global Warming. Stress. Lack of
considerable part of sleep. Poor dietary habits. In today’s society, we
the food.” are at greater risk than ever for health problems.
In the 1800’s, chocolate
In fact, the majority of Americans already suffer
was recommended for In his treatment for yellow fever, Dr. Rush from some kind of preventable (or addressable)
gout, yellow fever and recommended, “As soon as the pulse is health problem: obesity, heart disease, diabetes
many other diseases in reduced, I indulge them in weak chocolate.” He (or “pre-diabetes”).
that time period. recommended chocolate for gout, yellow fever,
and many other diseases at the time. Cocoa
was a common medicine included in the well- Nervous System
known “house call” medical bags carried about Damage

by doctors during the 19th century. One medical
book from the time said this about treating
whooping cough:
Stroke
Kidney Disease
Let the child live on a light diet, little or no meat,
cake, pastry, or heavy food, but an abundance Diabetes
of mucilaginous drinks… [such as] chocolate

Cocoa was a mainstay in medical Blindness
recommendations throughout Europe, North and Amputations
South America until the third decade of the 19th
century. Heart
Diseases
A copy of Dr. Pucciarelli and Dr. Grivetti’s paper
can be found at the World Cocoa Foundation
website (worldcocoafoundation.org). According to the American Heart Association,
more than 910,000 Americans will die of heart
Post-Industrial Chocolate: disease this year. As a matter of fact, by
From Good to Bad 2010, heart disease will be the number one
killer across the world.. More than 70,000,000
Americans live every day with some form
With the coming of the Industrial Revolution, of “heart disease” (high blood pressure,
chocolate manufacturers found themselves in cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina (chest
regional and global competition for consumers. pain), heart attack or congenital heart defect).

At the same time that chocolate was being An epidemic of Type 2 diabetes continues
served in liquid form as a medicine for the sick, to sweep across the United States; an

With the health of a nation estimated24,000,000 Americans struggle with in combination could very well change
deteriorating, studies are the disease—up more than 3,000,000 people many of the commonly held beliefs about
showing that cacao contains since only 2005. With Type 2 diabetes, either nutrition:
interesting health benefits that the body does not produce enough “insulin” or
could reverse the effects of a
the cells “ignore” the insulin. Insulin (a hormone) 1. The Acai Berry
fast-paced lifestyle.
is needed by the body in order to absorb blood 2. Blueberries
sugar into the cells (ultimately lowering blood 3. Unprocessed Cocoa
sugar levels) for energy. Lack of exercise
The myth that chocolate can be a key contributor to Type 2 diabetes. Most of us have only an improper diet to
causes pimples and acne Excessive weight can be both a symptom and blame for our obesity, low energy, mood
still lives on amongst many a contributing cause of diabetes. And, naturally, swings and other health problems. Of course,
believers. It’s totally false.
there is an inevitable wave of illnesses and this can be corrected by changing what we
Likewise, chocolate is also not
physically addictive the way disabilities that are brought on by diabetes: heart eat, and by consuming more of the foods listed
other substances are. Both of disease, stroke, blindness, limb amputations, above.
these facts have been proven kidney disease and nervous system damage, to
through a series of past name several.
medical studies. Antioxidant Source #1
In modern societies, Acai Berry
keeping up with a fast-
paced lifestyle seems to The acai (ah-sah-EE) berry is an excellent
have taken precedence source of vitamin A, which is vital for good
over healthy living. One vision, growth, skin health and reproduction.
simple solution is to pay 100 grams, or roughly 3.5 ounces, of acai has
more attention to what we an ORAC rating of about 5,500 units. ORAC,
put in our bodies. Fruits (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is the
and vegetables are a rarity unit by which antioxidants are measured. The
on fast food menus, yet recommended daily consumption of Antioxidants
Notice that the health they are rich sources of antioxidants—a key to is between 4,000 and 5,000 ORAC units.
properties of Unprocessed maintaining a healthy body.
Dark Chocolate reflect
Consuming 5,000 ORAC is the equivalent of
and surpass those of the
two leading antioxidant- Only in the past few years has cocoa been eating seven to 10 servings of any combination
containing fruits. reexamined as a health food and a nutritious of fruits and vegetables. . Acai is far ahead
source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, of the other fruits in its capacity to absorb free
vitamins and minerals. In 2008 alone, over 50 radicals in the human body.

different studies were conducted on the health
benefits of cocoa. There have even been human Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a clinical and research
epidemiological studies and dietary trials with dermatologist, named the acai to the top of his
cocoa that have yielded interesting results. famous Superfood List. The unusually high
levels of phyto-nutrients (nutrients that are
Section 2 beneficial to your health)
The power of Antioxidants and antioxidants are
what make the acai berry
We mentioned antioxidants earlier. Antioxidants stand out from all other
are chemicals that combat the free radical fruits. Found primarily in
molecules that are created every day inside our the Northern Regions of
bodies—molecules that damage our systems. Brazil, the acai is such
Three of the most important and effective an important source of
sources of antioxidants might surprise you, and nutrition, that individuals
products that contain two or three in the region drink almost as much acai juice as
they do water. The acai fruit is also a complete
AntioxidAnt
protein, which means it contains every essential
amino acid.
FrEE rAdicAl
Jiu-jitsu fighters and soccer players in Brazil
often have a large meal of acai berry pulp before
a competition. Why? Aside from being a perfect
source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high
levels of antioxidants in the acai berry provide
ElEctron significant support to the adrenal function, which
increases stamina. Taken on a regular basis, the
AntioxidAnt nEutrAlizing A FrEE rAdicAl acai berry strengthens the immune system to the

The Power of Antioxidants

Acai promotes younger point where the body easily handles infections 4 ounces) of white wine contained .47 mmol of
looking skin and helps to and disease. This frees up even more energy for free radical absorbing antioxidants. Red wine
retain oil in the skin to other uses. provided 2.04 mmol, and a wine made from
improve skin elasticity and high-bush blueberries delivered
overall complexion. The acai berry contains a natural combination of 2.42 mmol of these protective
antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids plant compounds.
and phytosterols. Amino acids work together (October 1, 2003).
to help your body function better, process food
more easily, and burn fat more efficiently. It is
literally one of the best things you can put into White Wine
your body to keep it healthy. And when your .47
Acai helps people sleep body is healthy and well-balanced, it is much FREE
better. Many users of Acai RADICAL
easier to reach an ideal body weight.
FIGHTERS Red Wine 2.04
report that the berry helps
(MMOL)
them to even sleep better at The acai berry contains enzymes and other
night. High Bush
vital nutrients that aid in the digestion process. Blueberry Wine 2.42
A healthy digestive system is not plagued with
such challenges as acid reflux and other similar
ailments. Acai also contains a significant amount Pterostilbene, (pronounced TARE-oh-STILL-
of fiber, which helps your digestive tract process bean), a powerful antioxidant compound found
food. in blueberries—already known to fight cancer—
North America is the world’s may also help lower cholesterol.
leading blueberry producer, In a study using rat liver cells, scientists at the
accounting for nearly 90% Antioxidant Source #2 USDA Agricultural Research Service compared
of world production at the Blueberries the cholesterol-lowering effects of pterostilbene
present time. to those of ciprofibrate (a lipid-lowering drug)
Packed with antioxidant phyto-nutrients called and to those of resveratrol. Resveratrol is an
anthocyanins, blueberries neutralize free antioxidant found in grapes that has a chemical
radical damage done to the collagen matrix of structure similar to pterostilbene, and has been
cells and tissues—unchecked, this damage shown to help fight cancer and heart disease.
can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose
veins, hemorrhoids, The USDA based their comparison on each
peptic ulcers, heart compound’s capacity to activate PPAR-alpha
disease and cancer. (short for peroxisome proliferator-activated

Anthocyanins, the receptor alpha). The PPARs are a family of
blue-red pigment receptors on cells all throughout the body that
found in blueberries, are involved in the absorption of compounds into
improve the integrity cells for use in energy production. PPAR-alpha
of support structures is crucial for the metabolism of lipids, including
in the veins and the cholesterol. Pterostilbene was as effective as
entire vascular system. ciprofibrate and outperformed resveratrol in
Anthocyanins have activating PPAR-alpha (January 14, 2005). The
been shown to enhance take-away message: Turn up your cholesterol
the effects of vitamin burning machinery by eating more blueberries,
C, improve capillary grapes and cranberries.
integrity, and stabilize
the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all In animal studies, researchers have found
body tissues). They work their protective magic that blueberries help protect the brain from
by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting oxidative stress, and may reduce the effects
enzymes from clinging to the collagen matrix, of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s
and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to disease or dementia. Researchers found that
form a stable collagen matrix. diets rich in blueberries significantly improve
both the learning ability and motor skills of aging
While wine, particularly red wine, is touted as a rats—essentially reversing the cognitive aging
cardio-protective substance (a good source of process.
antioxidant anthocyanins), a recent study
found that blueberries deliver 38% more of In addition to powerful anthocyanins, blueberries
these free radical fighters than red wine. In this contain another antioxidant compound called
study, published in the August 2003 issue of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid blocks metabolic
the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, pathways that can lead to cancer. In a study
researchers found that a moderate drink (about of 1,271 elderly people in New Jersey, subjects


Unprocessed Dark Choco- who ate the most strawberries (another berry The cocoa bean also contains some insoluble
late contains fiber, minerals that contains ellagic acid) were three times less and soluble fiber, which contributed to lower
and flavonoids which can likely to develop cancer than those who ate few cholesterol levels. Fiber is extremely beneficial
lower cholesterol, improve or no strawberries. In addition to containing in lowering colon cancer rates and preventing
metabolism, increase ellagic acid, blueberries are high in the soluble constipation. Fiber also slows intestinal
energy and eliminate free fiber pectin, which has been shown to lower absorption of glucose, helping to regulate blood
radicals in our body. cholesterol and to prevent bile acid from being sugar levels towards normal.
transformed into a potentially cancer-causing
form. The cocoa bean contains several minerals and
vitamins which are useful. Dark chocolate
contains magnesium, which is necessary for
muscle relaxation, nerve conduction, energy
Antioxidant Source #2 production and bone and teeth development and
Unprocessed overall health. Magnesium deficiencies intensify
the effects of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Dark Chocolate
Copper—found in rich supply in dark cocoa—is
involved in many of the chemical processes in
Cocoa rates as one of the Believe it or not, dark chocolate can be one the body. Dark cocoa also contains high levels
highest whole foods on the of the healthiest foods you will ever eat. The of potassium, which is vital for
ORAC scale - even higher key is that it must be processed correctly to be cardiovascular health.
than most antioxidants. beneficial.
The flavonoids in cocoa are the
Cocoa powder is rich in the polyphenols, mainly flavan-3-ols, flavonols (catechin and epicatechin;;
flavonoids—flavan-3-ols, flavonols (epicatechin procyanides), and proanthocyanidins. Pound-
and catechin), and procyanidins. Cocoa is from for-pound, dark chocolate has the highest
the plant Theobroma cacao. concentration of these flavonoids of any food—
even more than acai or blueberries. Cocoa is
Cocoa butter accounts for 50% of the weight of loaded with a variety of phyto-nutrients, making
the cocoa bean, with the main fatty acids being it very high in antioxidants.
stearic and palmitic (saturated fats), oleic (the
one in olive oil, a monounsaturated fatty acid) Cocoa rates as one of the highest whole foods
and linoleic acid (polyunsaturated). on the ORAC scale—even higher than green
tea, acai, blueberry and red wine, which have all
Even though we are taught that saturated fats been shown to be very effective antioxidants.

are harmful to the cardiovascular system, the
saturated stearic acid fat from the cocoa bean Cocoa can stop the oxidation of the LDL-C
does not elevate blood cholesterol like other cholesterol as discussed previously, resulting
Several studies saturated fatty acids. Fat from cocoa butter is in reduced cardiovascular damage. Cocoa
have shown that
not absorbed well by the intestinal tract, and flavonoids can also increase the production
dark chocolate
decreases
is considered “neutral” in terms of its effect of good cholesterol (HDL), which mops up the
blood pressure. on weight gain and impact on cholesterol. harmful fats from the blood vessels. Cocoa
Research shows that these cacao fatty acids flavonoids discourage platelets from forming
may modify LDL-C, making it more resistant to harmful clots and damaging heart muscle
oxidation. blood vessels. The flavonoids in cocoa help
the blood vessels dilate more easily, allowing
MAGN more blood flow to the heart (nitric oxide (NO)
ESI
UM activation). This same principle is applicable to
insulin-stimulated blood sugar uptake, resulting
in improved diabetic control. Cocoa has been
found to have anti-inflammatory properties,
COPPER stopping the inflammatory process (cytokines)
from damaging the body.

In several studies, dark chocolate has been
shown to decrease blood pressure, which in turn
S SIUM decreases the damage to heart vessels. Cocoa
P O TA is thought to be a renin-angiotension enzyme
inhibitor, which is the same principle on which
many blood pressure pills work (ACE inhibitors).



Believe it or not, healthy There have also been studies showing that dark Dark chocolate improves the body’s ability to
chocolate can reduce dental cocoa can help reduce dental cavities, decrease use insulin, and improves insulin resistance, a
cavities, decrease plaque the plaque on teeth, and prevent gum disease. condition that can lead to diabetes. Cocoa can
and prevent gum disease. increase nitric oxide levels to help with insulin-
Research in dementia has shown that the stimulated uptake of blood sugars. The increase
progression of the condition can be combated in nitric oxide also improves the health of the
by the same antioxidant principles we have blood vessels, limiting the damage of diabetes
been discussing. Several vitamins, particularly on the small vessels.
vitamin E and certain B-vitamins, have been
used to help with dementia. As noted previously, Cocoa has been found to help with liver
cocoa has the same capacity to decrease free- damage, and can help repair liver cells after long
Red wine and dark radical damage, limiting dementia and improving term exposure to alcohol.
chocolate... might seem memory.
decadent...but these guilty
pleasures also might
help us live longer...and
healthier lives. Red wine
and dark chocolate contain
resveratrol which lowers
blood sugar.

A study led by Professor Ian
Macdonald found that con-
sumption of a cocoa drink
rich in ﬂavanols — a key
ingredient of dark chocolate
— boosts blood ﬂow to key
areas of the brain for two to
three hours.


An Explanation of Cacao’s Ingredients

Cacao isn’t candy. It Section 3 tryptophan, and serotonin). This is just an
becomes a candy only when abbreviated list of the chemicals found in cocoa.
fats and sugars are added,
An Explanation of In addition to the main chemicals which provide
and unfortunately the ‘candy Cacao’s Ingredients a majority of the health benefits, cocoa also
chocolate’ is the only form contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are a large
of chocolate many people What exactly is in cocoa that provides so many class of compounds that provide the antioxidant
know of.
benefits? To hear one tout its benefits, cocoa and anti-inflammatory benefits of fruits and
almost sounds like “snake oil” sold in traveling vegetables. One of the most important classes
Cocoa is comprised of more caravans. The truth is that cocoa is a complex of polyphenols are flavonoids. Flavonoids can
than 300 different chemical
food. There are over 300 different chemical be further broken down into smaller families
components - the combination
of which makes cocoa
components found in cocoa. The cocoa bean is –flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavanols
incredibly versatile when it the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, and the (flavan-3-ols), anthocyanins and isoflavones.
comes to good health. beneficial effects are wholly determined by how
it is grown, handled, and processed. Within the flavanol family exist powerful
stand-alone (“monomeric”) chemicals known
as epicatechins and catechins, as well as
compound chemicals (“oligomeric”) known as
FlAvAnol procyanidins. These substances are the true
backbone of the health properties derived from
cocoa.

Epicatechin is the predominant polyphenol in
cocoa, and accounts for a majority of the health
benefits that scientists attribute to this wonderful
food. Cocoa is one of the most polyphenol-rich
foods available on Mother Earth. However, the
processing and manufacturing of the cocoa
bean has an enormous impact on the levels of
In general, cocoa contains Cocoa butter these substances that are actually contained in
(a neutral fat consisting of oleic, stearic, the final product.
and palmitic fatty acids), minerals (copper,
magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium),
theobromine and trace amounts of caffeine, and
mood-enhancing chemicals (PEA, tyramine,

Polyphenols provide
both antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory
benefits. Cacao
is one of the most
polyphenol-rich
foods available
on Earth!


Our Chocolate Report Purpose (The Six Parts)
When processed improperly, Why is the preservation (or even enhancement)
Cocao powder can lose Section 4
of cocoa polyphenols of such great importance?
more than 60% of the total Our Chocolate Report The answer is two-fold: the obvious biological
flavonoid capacity along with Purpose (the 6 parts)
the beneficial properties.
activity of polyphenols, combined with the limited
absorption of polyphenols in the gut. This means
In this report, I will examine the influence of the more potent the cocoa, the more beneficial
manufacturing on the availability of the flavanols, to the consumer. Epicatechin demonstrates the
as well as present the most recent research highest absorption in the blood, which is why it
conducted in 2008 on cocoa, and cocoa’s effects is important to maximize the amount available in
on health. I will also relate the University of Utah the product.
results on Xocai™ products with other pertinent
studies. Conclusion: Research is continuing to
uncover new findings support the many
The valuable compounds dynamic health benefits of cocoa.
found in cocoa can continue
to work in your body for up Part #1 of the
to 12 hours!
Chocolate Puzzle Part #3 of the
flavanol availability Chocolate Puzzle
A 2008 study completed by increases in
researchers in Spain examined the impact of antioxidants
manufacturing processes on cocoa powder. Several international studies have
The researchers found that “dutching” (or examined the absorption of flavanols into the
alkalinization) of cocoa powder resulted in bloodstream (“bioavailability”). These studies
More health benefits from a 60% loss of total flavonoid capacity. While found that the gastric environment has little-
eating properly processed dutching might make cocoa more palatable by to-no effect on polyphenols. Epicatechins and
cocoa are consistently removing the natural bitterness, it also robs catechins are readily absorbed by the upper
being found with new cocoa of most of the beneficial properties intestinal gut into the bloodstream. Epicatechin
reseach and testing. associated with flavonoids. metabolites (glucuronide, sulfate, and methyl)
are found in blood plasma very soon after
Even the process of fermenting cocoa beans being after hitting the intestinal gut. The larger
contributes to the loss of potent flavonoids. molecules of flavanols not absorbed in the
This study also showed a 67% loss of the small intestine travel to, and are metabolized
(-)-epicatechin, which is the main powerhouse by, bacteria in the large intestine, producing

flavonoid in cocoa. other beneficial polyphenols. These valuable
compounds can be found even up to six or
Need more convincing? The researchers also 12 hours after the cocoa product has been
discovered that dutching contributes to an 86% ingested.
loss of the other important flavonol in cocoa—
quercetin. Quercetin is a very potent antioxidant These studies also discovered epicatechin
and free-radical scavenger that was not even metabolites and quercetin in the brain
reported to be found in cocoa before. Pound-for- bloodstream soon after the ingestion of cocoa.
pound, unprocessed cocoa contains as much
quercetin as broccoli, apples, or red grapes. Conclusion: Cocoa’s workhorse molecules
are absorbed effectively in the body.
Conclusion: How cocoa is manufactured
has a significant effect on the health benefits
Part #4 of the
contained in the final product.
Chocolate Puzzle
recent/ongoing
Part #2 of the dark cacao studies
Chocolate Puzzle
cacao positively Another important factor to consider is whether
an increase of polyphenols increase antioxidant
affects health
levels in the blood. Studies have found definite
As recently as August 2008, a study reported the increases in blood ORAC levels associated
discovery of dietary resveratrol in cocoa powder with cocoa consumption, indicating that the
(about half as much as an average California flavonoids are being utilized by the body. The
red wine), further bolstering the argument of ORAC (oxygen-radical absorbance capacity)
cocoa as a beneficial food. test measures the capacity of a compound to
absorb or neutralize oxygen-free radicals, which

Tests have shown that are harmful to the body. An increased presence higher quantities of flavanols than the highly
eating chocolate before of antioxidants gives the body another weapon processed chocolate we see in the candy aisle
solving math problems can to fight damaging molecules that are created of the grocery store. Flavanols, as previously
increase your test scores. inside the body every day. discussed, are part of a group of chemicals
called polyphenols. They increase the level of
An increase of total serum cerebral blood flow, among many other health
glutathione, also shown benefits.
in these studies, indicates
that the flavonol molecules After consuming the cocoa drink, the volunteers
are actually doing their in this study were asked to count backwards
jobs inside the living body. in groups of three, beginning with a random
Glutathione (a protein found number between 800 and 999 (generated by
inside cells) is essential computer). The study showed that the subjects’
for the function of immune mathematical performance was clearly affected
cells and disease-fighting. by the drink, and suggests that students who
Another interesting and binge on chocolate while studying for exams
informative test determines may actually benefit from doing so—at least in
whether the metabolites, terms of mental acuity. Subjects accomplished
or breakdown products, of the calculations more quickly and more
the flavonoids are found accurately than the control group.
in the urine. Presence The findings were presented at the British
of metabolites in urine Psychological Society annual conference at
indicates that the molecules Brighton, and also showed that subjects were
are being used by the body. inclined to feel less tired and less mentally
drained after answering the questions.
Eating dark chocolate can
promote a healthy immune Conclusion: Research proves that In the interest of full disclosure, the study also
system and increase your flavonoids from ingested cocoa are being found that the same test subjects did struggle
ability to focus. utilized by the body, and positively affect the with more complex mathematical tasks.
body’s immune system.
Professor Kennedy stated, “The amount [of
Now, let’s take a look at the newest international flavanols given in the study] is more than in the
studies on cocoa while comparing and [normal] diet, but there is quite a lot of evidence
contrasting these interesting findings with the that general amounts are protective against

results obtained from a cardiovascular study declining function. The more [foods you eat that
performed at the University of Utah. are] high in polyphenols, the better it is for your
brain in the long run.”
Professor David Kennedy is the director of
Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Conclusion: High levels of flavanols found
Center at Northumbria University in England. in chocolate can improve mental acuity when
The cacao tree
He recently led a group of researchers in taken in the proper amounts.
produces pods all
year long, so a
exploring the effects of cocoa on the human
typical tree would brain ability to perform mathematical equations.
have pods in every Professor Kennedy, co-author of the study,
stage of ripeness. concluded from the study that consuming Part #5 of the
Because of this, chocolate could benefit people when performing Chocolate Puzzle
most harvesting is mentally challenging tasks. The Revealing
done by hand, with
machetes. Isoprostane
“For things that are difficult to do, mentally
demanding things that maybe crop up in your
molecule
work, [consuming cocoa] could help,” Professor One of the easiest molecules to check in urine
Kennedy said. is isoprostane—a molecule that damages
the body. If antioxidants are absorbed and
The researchers gave a flavanol-rich hot functioning correctly, there should be a reduced
cocoa drink to 30 individuals, and then had level of isoprostane found in urine. High levels of
them answer various mathematical questions. isoprostane are associated with increased risk
The cocoa used in the study contained 500 for dementia.
milligrams of flavanols—more than would
normally be found in fruits and vegetables. The study performed in 2008 by the University
Dark chocolate, as one of the three major of Utah showed statistically significant increases
sources of flavanols discussed above, contains of ORAC levels in blood plasma, increases of


The cacao tree is a tropical
glutathione levels in plasma, and decreases in Here are some of the latest CVD statistics:
plant that grows only within isoprostane levels found in urine. University of
20 degrees latitude of the Utah researchers found these results using both -Cardiovascular disease (CVD), principally
equator. The main cacao- a standard dose of Xocai Active™ (one ounce, heart disease and stroke, is the Nation’s
producing countries are the three times per day), as well as an increased leading killer for both men and women
Ivory Coast and Ghana, dose (three ounces, three times per day). These among all racial and ethnic groups.
although there are numerous findings confirmed other reports of increased
smaller markets in South serum ORAC levels, increased glutathione -Almost 1 million Americans die of CVD each
America and Africa.
levels, and decreased isoprostane levels found year, constituting 42% of all deaths.
in other “in-vivo” tests (tests performed in the
human body) with dark cocoa powder. -Heart disease is the leading cause of death
for ALL Americans aged 35 and older.
Anti-oxidants found in Conclusion: Cocoa, specifically Xocai
cocoa can lower the levels Activ™, contributes to decreased -One out of every four Americans has some
of isoprostane in your
isoprostane levels in the body, proving the form of CVD; that works out to about
urine, a molecule that
damages your body. absorption of cocoa antioxidants. 57 million people in the United States.

-Heart disease and stroke account for almost
6 million hospitalizations each year and
Part #6 of the
cause disability in almost 10 million
Chocolate Puzzle Americans aged 65 years and older.
the facts
regarding cvd -CVD costs America $274 billion each year
when including health expenditures and
It’s no secret that cardiovascular diseases lost productivity.
Cocao can actually work (“CVD”) are the leading cause of death in the
with your body’s natural United States and many other countries around -A number of health-related behaviors
defenses against illness. the world. Some projections have cardiovascular contribute significantly to cardiovascular
disease becoming the number one cause of disease (e.g. tobacco use, lack of physical
death everywhere in the world by 2010. exercise, poor nutrition).

It’s also no secret that dietary changes and Sources:
intake of flavonol-containing foods have been National Center for Health Statistics,
associated with improvements in cardiovascular National Center for Chronic Disease

diseases. The flavonoids and other compounds Prevention and Health Promotion,
of cocoa have been clearly shown to reduce Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
the risk of cardiovascular disease in humans.
Many such studies have shown an improved
endothelial (blood vessel) function, platelet
function, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and
decreases in chemicals causing inflammation in
the body.

Conclusion: Conclusion: Flavonols and
other compounds of cocoa improve the
body’s natural ability to fight CVD.


The Eight Case Studies
Cacao contains the
highest concentration of
Section 5 Case Study #4
antioxidants of any food in The 8 Case Studies united kingdom study on
the world, along with a full
spectrum of nutrients found blood pressure
naturally in different fruits
and vegetables. Case Study #1 A group of researchers from the United Kingdom
reported in the American Journal of Clinical
postmenapausal women
Nutrition regarding a meta-analysis of numerous
A study performed last year examined studies completed on cocoa flavanols and blood
postmenopausal women, the total flavonoids pressure.
consumed by that population, and their
cardiovascular mortality. The study found that These researchers found forty-three different
only a limited number of foods improved their studies regarding the effect of chronic intake of
condition: apples, pears, strawberries…and flavonoids on blood pressure, and seven studies
chocolate. There was no measurable reduction regarding the effect of acute intake. Black tea,
Cocoa can increase in cardiovascular mortality with any other fruits red wine and grape juice demonstrated no
dilation of your or vegetables. significant effects on blood pressure. Cocoa,
blood vessels, however, presented a 5.88mm reduction in
promoting good Conclusion: Unprocessed cocoa can systolic blood pressure, and a 3.33mm reduction
heart health and improve cardiovascular mortality rates. in diastolic blood pressure—statistically
reducing the effects significant findings.
of hypertension.

Case Study #2 Conclusion:
Cocoa appears to
kuna indian population
be more effective
In past reports, I discussed two large studies than black tea,
that showed the benefits of cocoa in reducing wine and grape
cardiovascular mortality—a major study in juices in helping
the Netherlands on elderly men and a study reduce high blood
conducted on the Kuna Indian population of the pressure.
San Blas Islands in Panama.
These studies involved long-
term observations that indicated Cocoa studies
improved cardiovascular benefit conducted this

of cocoa consumption. year found that cocoa increases vasorelaxation
(dilates the blood vessel walls) in healthy
Conclusion: Ongoing subjects. Effects were also positive for patients
consumption of cocoa with hypertension, coronary heart disease,
promotes cardiovascular the elderly, post-transplant heart patients, and
health. patients with high cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion: Consuming cocoa can dilate
blood vessels, allowing better blood flow
Case Study #3 throughout the body.
the illinois study on
blood pressure
Case Study #5
A study conducted this year by the University of university of utah
Dark chocolate (65 Illinois found that the consumption of flavonol-
percent or higher
study on blood pressure
enriched cocoa bars resulted in significant
cocoa content) has reduction in systolic blood pressure (8.2%
far more antioxidants
decrease) and diastolic blood pressure (8.2% The University of Utah study found that basically
than milk or white
chocolate.
decrease) compared to a placebo group. The healthy patients experienced a decrease
improvement occurred within a four-week period, in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by
and continued throughout the entire study. 5mm within two weeks of a program eating
These findings were very interesting, especially unprocessed cocoa (a product produced under
considering the fact that study participants had the Xocai™ brand). These findings corroborated
no pre-existing hypertension. other studies, and delivered the same success
you would find with weight loss, dieting, and
Conclusion: Eating cocoa daily can lower even some blood pressure medications.
blood pressure.

The Eight Case Studies
It is widely accepted among medical
professionals that even a small drop in blood Case Study #8
pressure translates to a marked reduction in UC Davis Study -
heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular Cacao offers protection
diseases.
from TIssue Damage
Chocolate also contains
Conclusion: Consuming unprocessed cocoa
high amounts amino acids can lower blood pressure and contribute to
from which the body builds weight loss. This year, a group of researchers from the
protein and also dopamine University of California, Davis found that
(which scientists believe Case Study #6 flavonoids can protect myocardial (heart) tissues
stimulates the brain’s yale study on blood pressure during damaging events. They found that
pleasure receptors) and epicatechins confer cardioprotection to the heart
adrenaline. muscle during short- and long-term ischemia
This year, a group of researchers from Yale reperfusion myocardial injury. In lay terms, the
found that acute ingestion of both solid dark epicatechins protected the heart muscles after a
chocolate and liquid cocoa improved the blood heart attack caused decreased blood flow to the
vessel function and lowered blood pressure in heart.
overweight adults. Sugar-free or low glycemic
products aided in further improvements in blood Conclusion: The epicatechins in cocoa
pressure. can protect the heart muscles after a heart
attacks.
Research has uncovered the fact that the
Dozens of clinical studies
dilation of blood vessels is achieved via an Misled Studies
have been conducted NO-dependent (nitric oxide) mechanism. A Quantity & Timing Matters
to evaluate the health decrease in NO is associated with increases
benefits of dark chocolate in arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.
— and the results are After consuming a flavanol-rich beverage, Within the last year, two other studies found
overwhelmingly positive. test subjects experienced an increase in NO, minimum results using dark cocoa. However, a
These include benefits for generated by NO synthase. Cocoa stimulates review of the studies found that the first used
your cardiovascular system, this mechanism to create even higher levels of only approximately 300mg of total flavonoids per
prevention of osteoporosis, NO in test subjects. day, which is far below the therapeutic amount
and cancer prevention.
of 600mg to 900mg to total flavonoids. The
Conclusion: Conclusion: Stimulation second study used 900mg of total flavonoids,

of nitric oxide levels in the body helps but only administered twice per day, which the
counteract high blood pressure. (Cocoa is researchers themselves thought may have
also one of the richest natural sources of contributed to decreased results.
magnesium, which is known to relax arteries Cocoa molecules are short-lived in the blood
and help prevent or decrease high blood stream; at least three times per day appears to
pressure.) be the necessary frequency to enjoy continued
results.
Case Study #7
A second range of studies examined the
swiss study on blood pressure conditions of insulin resistance related to
impaired glucose tolerance, or “prediabetes,”
We also see some notable evidence that cocoa which increases the risk of cardiovascular
Good News! Most also acts like an angiotensin converting enzyme events, diabetes, decreased endothelial NO
major chocolate (ACE) inhibitor, further lowering blood pressure. (level of nitric oxide in the blood vessels)
manufacturers are bioavailability, and increased oxidative stress.
looking for ways to Researchers in Switzerland found that within
keep the flavanols two hours of consumption of flavanol-enriched
in their processed cocoa, subjects experienced a significant
chocolates. reduction of serum oxidative stress, improved
coronary vessel function, and decreased platelet
adhesion. Researchers also noted an increase
in serum epicatechin levels at the same time.

Conclusion: Yet another way cocoa lowers
blood pressure is by decreasing oxidative
stress.


Healthy chocolate-in-2012

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