A lot of research is being done on the various chemicals found in plants, and their effect on human health. Cocoa has unique flavanols that affect arterial functioning. A study published in the April issue of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, showed that subjects aged 59 to 83 who drank a cocoa-rich beverage experienced an 8 percent increase in brain blood flow after just one week, and a 10 percent increase after two weeks.
The cocoa affects the endothelial cells - the thin layer of cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels. Studies show improvement in endothelial function in diabetics, in smokers, and in otherwise normal subjects after consumption of cocoa or cocoa extract. Study subjects have been found to have improved circulation in their hands and feet after just two days of taking cocoa.
One way that cocoa improves endothelial functioning is by increasing the body's production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to relax, thus increasing blood flow throughout the body. In fact, Viagra is a drug that inhibits the breakdown of nitric oxide.
Kuna Indians, who live on remote islands off the coast of Panama, drink at least 5 cups of cocoa a day. And unlike virtually all other human groups (other than hunter-gatherers), they do not experience increased blood pressure as they age.
You won't get much in the way of cocoa flavanols in your typical chocolate bar, though you will get a lot of sugar. Instead, look for dark chocolate (never milk chocolate) bars with the highest cocoa percentage you can find - look for at least 70%. I use a concentrated cocoa extract that I add to my coffee - look for it at Beyond-A-Century.com. Therapeutic doses seem to be around 200 mg per day.
