Effects of Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Products on Endothelial Function: A Meta-Analysis

Effects of dark chocolate and cocoa consumption on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in overweight adults.

The consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate is associated with a lower risk of CVD, and improvements in endothelial function may mediate this relationship. Less is known about the effects of cocoa/chocolate on the augmentation index (AI), a measure of vascular stiffness and vascular tone in the peripheral arterioles. We enrolled thirty middle-aged, overweight adults in a randomised, placebo-con...

Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest cardioprotective benefits of dark chocolate containing cocoa. OBJECTIVE This study examines the acute effects of solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa intake on endothelial function and blood pressure in overweight adults. DESIGN Randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover trial of 45 healthy adults [mean age: 53 y; mean body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 30...

Dark chocolate improves endothelial and platelet function.

Raw Cocoa, Semifinished and Finished Chocolate Products

The levels of cadmium, lead, copper and arsenic were determined in two batches of raw cocoa and semifinished chocolate products sampled at various intermediate stages of the manufacturing process. The metal contents of eighteen chocolate bars produced by four chocolate making factories were also determined. A nalyses of the metal contents in cocoa containing samples were effected by dry ashing ...

Protective effects of flavanol-rich dark chocolate on endothelial function and wave reflection during acute hyperglycemia.

Nitric oxide plays a pivotal role in regulating vascular tone. Different studies show endothelial function is impaired during hyperglycemia. Dark chocolate increases flow-mediated dilation in healthy and hypertensive subjects with and without glucose intolerance; however, the effect of pretreatment with dark chocolate on endothelial function and other vascular responses to hyperglycemia has not...