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Consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa products has been shown to significantly reduce serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC), indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.
The research aimed to investigate the impact of dark chocolate and cocoa product consumption on lipid profiles, particularly focusing on LDL, TC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). A thorough literature search identified 10 clinical trials involving 320 participants, with intervention durations ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in both LDL (difference in means: -5.90 mg/dl) and TC (difference in means: -6.23 mg/dl) levels following the consumption of dark chocolate or cocoa products. However, no statistically significant effects were observed for HDL and TG. These findings suggest short-term beneficial effects on total and LDL cholesterol with no major impact on HDL and TG.
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The consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
2021 Phytotherapy Research The effect of cocoa/dark chocolate consumption on lipid profile, glycemia, and blood pressure in diabetic patients: A meta‐analysis of observational studies Darand M, Hajizadeh Oghaz M, Hadi A, Atefi M, Amani R
Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cocoa Dark Chocolate
A systematic search of databases identified eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 433 participants for meta-analysis. The results demonstrated a substantial reduction in LDL-c levels (WMD: −15.49 mg/dl) and FBS concentrations (WMD: −6.88 mg/dl) following cocoa/dark chocolate consumption. The study emphasizes the potential positive effects of cocoa/dark chocolate on the metabolic profile of diabetic individuals.
The meta-analysis included RCTs focusing on cocoa/dark chocolate interventions in diabetic patients, with a significant pooled analysis showing reduced LDL-c and FBS levels. The findings suggest that incorporating cocoa/dark chocolate in the diet of diabetic individuals could be beneficial for managing lipid profile and glycemia. Further research is necessary to solidify these insights and understand the complete impact on metabolic health.
Cocoa polyphenols promote gut health by favorably altering gut microbiota composition and producing secondary bioactive metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2020 Nutrients Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, Paoli A, Scapagnini G
Cocoa Dark Chocolate Gut Microbiota
The study revolves around observing the effects of dietary intake of cocoa polyphenols, bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on gut microbiota. These polyphenols have poor absorption in the gut and hence, rarely enter the systemic circulation in their natural forms. Instead, through a bidirectional interaction with the gut microbiota, they stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful ones, thereby acting as a prebiotic.
The resulting metabolites from this interaction are bioavailable, and these enter the circulation to reach target organs. The metabolites exhibit substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which improve gut health. These actions augment immunity and reduce the risk of many diseases, documenting a notable health-protective potential of cocoa polyphenols, routed via modulation of gut microbiota composition.
Dark chocolate with high cocoa content can affect colonic functionality and stimulate certain brain regions in healthy adults.
2019 British Journal of Nutrition Effect of cocoa on the brain and gut in healthy subjects: a randomised controlled trial Fox M, Meyer-Gerspach AC, Wendebourg MJ, Gruber M, Heinrich H, Sauter M, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Brain Activity Cocoa Dark Chocolate
The study involved a controlled, randomised experiment including healthy volunteers who were given 100g of either dark chocolate (with 72% cocoa content) or white chocolate (with no cocoa content) for five consecutive days. The volunteers then recorded any abdominal symptoms and stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Score. Gastric emptying as well as intestinal and colonic transit time were examined using scintigraphy and marker studies, while the activity in different brain regions was assessed using combined positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging techniques.
The study found that dark chocolate did not alter the functionality of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, it was observed that the consumption of dark chocolate led to harder stool consistency. As for the brain, an increased uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose was noticed within the visual cortex, with other regions like the somatosensory, motor and pre-frontal cortices also showing heightened activity. This suggests that dark chocolate may potentially influence certain brain functions.
Subgroup analysis suggests consuming at least 30 grams of dark chocolate per day for a trial period between four to eight weeks may lead to reductions in weight and body mass index.
2018 Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Does cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation have favorable effect on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference? A systematic review, meta-analysis and dose-response of randomized clinical trials Kord-Varkaneh H, Ghaedi E, Nazary-Vanani A, Mohammadi H, Shab-Bidar S
Systematic Review Body Mass Index Cocoa Dark Chocolate
The study involved a comprehensive search of 35 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of cocoa/DC on body weight, BMI, and WC up to December 2017. A meta-analysis, using a random-effects model, assessed the pooled effect size, and fractional polynomial modeling was applied to explore dose-response relationships.
The meta-analysis did not find a significant overall effect of cocoa/DC supplementation on anthropometric measures. However, subgroup analysis revealed a potential reduction in body weight and BMI when cocoa/DC was consumed at higher doses (≥ 30 g/day) in trials lasting between 4 to 8 weeks. Notably, the reduction in waist circumference followed a non-linear pattern. In conclusion, while cocoa/DC supplementation may not have a universal impact on anthropometric measures, specific doses and durations could potentially influence weight and BMI.
Regular chocolate or cocoa consumption, rich in flavan-3-ols, has been associated with improved insulin resistance and blood vessel function, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.
2012 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials Hooper L, Kay C, Abdelhamid A, Kroon PA, Cohn JS, Rimm EB, et al.
Systematic Review Cocoa Dark Chocolate Diastolic Blood Pressure
The study systematically reviewed 42 randomized controlled trials involving 1297 participants to investigate the impact of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on major cardiovascular disease risk factors. Utilizing a comprehensive search across multiple databases, the researchers conducted meta-analyses, assessing acute and short-term chronic interventions. Results revealed consistent improvements, including reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), enhanced flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and favorable effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The findings indicate promising cardiovascular benefits associated with chocolate or cocoa consumption. Notably, the study highlights improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood vessel function, and blood pressure, emphasizing the potential positive impact of flavan-3-ols found in these products.
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