News

March 2015

Cocoa Benefits Mental Health

A new study suggests that cocoa might help maintain cognitive function in older people.

Older participants without mental problems were randomly assigned to drink one of three drinks containing high, moderate, or low amounts of cocoa flavanols. The drink with the most cocoa, 993 mg of cocoa flavanols, resulted in significantly improved cognitive function scores. Cocoa also improved insulin resistance and blood pressure. The authors of the study concluded that regular cocoa consumption might help reduce age-related cognitive decline. For more information about cocoa, view our complete monograph.

References

  1. Mastroiacovo D, Kwik-Uribe C, Grassi D, et al. Cocoa flavanol consumption improves cognitive function, blood pressure control, and metabolic profile in elderly subjects: the Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) Study-a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Mar;101(3):538-48

The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2024 NatMed. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. NatMed is the leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based, clinically-relevant information on natural medicine, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, diets, complementary practices, CAM modalities, exercises and medical conditions. Monograph sections include interactions with herbs, drugs, foods and labs, contraindications, depletions, dosing, toxicology, adverse effects, pregnancy and lactation data, synonyms, safety and effectiveness.