Cocoa reduced artery stiffness in women.
In this study, 26 postmenopausal women, average age 64, took 17 grams of cocoa once daily, or twice every other day, while continuing their regular diet and exercise. During the study, the women did not drink tea or consume other foods containing antioxidant flavanols—a main compound in cocoa. After 12 weeks, both groups saw blood flowing at lower pressure through arteries deep in the center and at the extremities of the body, a sign of more flexible vessels. Regularly consuming cocoa may lower chances of heart events and stroke by decreasing artery stiffness.
Reference: Dove Medical Press; November, 2016, 1645-52, Published Online
Natural Insights for Well Being September 2017
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