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Natural cocoa consumption: Potential to reduce atherogenic factors?
Brian K McFarlin1, Adam S Venable1, Andrea L Henning1
1Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
|March 15, 2015
Summary
Short-term consumption of natural cocoa improved vascular health markers in young women. Obese women showed significant reductions in haptoglobin and monocyte CD62L, indicating decreased disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Short-term intake of flavanol-rich cocoa is linked to improved vascular health.
- Understanding cocoa's impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers in diverse body mass index (BMI) groups is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 4-week natural cocoa consumption on CVD biomarkers in young women (19-35 years) across normal, overweight, and obese BMI categories.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 24 women consuming natural cocoa or a placebo daily for 4 weeks.
- Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, 26 CVD biomarkers, monocyte surface markers, and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Natural cocoa consumption increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 18% and decreased EMPs by 60% across all BMI groups.
- Obese women experienced significant decreases in haptoglobin (21%) and monocyte CD62L expression (24%).
- Obese participants also showed a significant reduction in haptoglobin, EMP concentration, and monocyte CD62L compared to overweight and normal-weight individuals.
Conclusions:
- Acute natural cocoa consumption positively impacts vascular health markers, potentially reducing obesity-related disease risk.
- Further research is necessary to determine the long-term stability of these beneficial effects.
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