antioxidant · for chronic inflammation
Cocoa Flavanols
Proposed to lower the low-grade inflammation of ageing, through effects on blood vessels.
Say that in clinical terms
Proposed to reduce chronic low-grade inflammation ('inflammaging') via nitric-oxide-mediated endothelial effects and antioxidant activity.
How strong is the research?
Mixed evidence
Across 33 trials, most inflammation markers were unchanged in healthy people.
Industry funded
2 papers read, 1 supporting, 1 against.
Tested as: cocoa extract capsules, 500 mg flavanols/day (including 80 mg (-)-epicatechin), for up to 2 years
How much to take
500 mg