Flavonoid-Rich Dark Chocolate Improves Endothelial Function and Increases Plasma Epicatechin Concentrations in Healthy Adults

Original Research Mary B. Engler, PhD, Marguerite M. Engler, PhD, Chung Y. Chen, PhD, Mary J. Malloy, MD, Amanda Browne, BS, Elisa Y. Chiu, BS, MS, Ho-Kyung Kwak, PhD, Paul Milbury,  MS, Steven M. Paul, PhD, Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, FACN and  Michele L. Mietus-Snyder,  MDLaboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Department of Physiological Nursing (M.B.E., M.M.E., A.B., E.Y.C., M.L.M.-S.), Boston, Massachusetts

Office of Research (S.M.P.), Boston, Massachusetts
School of Nursing, Cardiovascular Research Institute (M.J.M.), Boston, Massachusetts
School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, Antioxidant Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University (C.Y.C., H.-K.K., P.M., J.B.), Boston, Massachusetts
Address reprint requests to: Dr. Mary B. Engler, University of California, San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, Suite N631, San Francisco, California 94143-0610. E-mail: mary.engler@nursing.ucsf.edu

Background: Dark chocolate derived from the plant (Theobroma cacao) is a rich source of flavonoids. Cardioprotective effects including antioxidant properties, inhibition of platelet activity, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase have been ascribed to the cocoa flavonoids.
Objective: To investigate the effects of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate on endothelial function, measures of oxidative stress, blood lipids, and blood pressure in healthy adult subjects.
Design: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design conducted over a 2 week period in 21 healthy adult subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to daily intake of high-flavonoid (213 mg procyanidins, 46 mg epicatechin) or low-flavonoid dark chocolate bars (46 g, 1.6 oz).
Results: High-flavonoid chocolate consumption improved endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery (mean change = 1.3 ± 0.7%) as compared to low-flavonoid chocolate consumption (mean change = –0.96 ± 0.5%) (p = 0.024). No significant differences were noted in the resistance to LDL oxidation, total antioxidant capacity, 8-isoprostanes, blood pressure, lipid parameters, body weight or body mass index (BMI) between the two groups. Plasma epicatechin concentrations were markedly increased at 2 weeks in the high-flavonoid group (204.4 ± 18.5 nmol/L, p  0.001) but not in the low-flavonoid group (17.5 ± 9 nmol/L, p = 0.99).
Conclusion: Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and is associated with an increase in plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults. No changes in oxidative stress measures, lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight or BMI were seen.

Key words: flavonoid, endothelial, cholesterol, oxidized LDL, 8-isoprostanes, chocolate, epicatechin




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Resveratrol Prevents Brain and Heart Damage While Assisting Weight Loss

From (NaturalNews) Resveratrol is the protective bioactive nutrient most commonly found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts and cacao. Resveratrol provides a protective barrier against disease and fungus in plants which is also beneficial to human health. A wealth of information exists to support the function of resveratrol for brain rejuvenation and cardiovascular repair as well as influencing the metabolism of fat leading to natural weight loss.


Resveratrol Improves Endothelial Function Leading to Heart Health


Proanthocyanidins from the grape family have long been associated with heart health, and resveratrol now takes its deserved place at the top of the cardiovascular friendly nutrients list. The lining of the cells within the artery are known as the endothelium, and are very sensitive to dietary abuse caused by hydrogenated fats, excess sugar, cortisol and insulin. Damage to the endothelium leads to high blood pressure as well as micro cracks which are filled with foamy plaque, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Resveratrol has been shown to increase endothelial progenitor cells in the bone marrow which then migrate to areas of damage along the arterial wall, effectively repairing any damage. Higher levels of progenitor cells in blood circulation are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, as well as improved blood pressure.

Resveratrol Activates New Brain Synapses


One of the most important functions attributed to resveratrol is the activation of the anti-aginggene known as SIRT1. Previously, calorie restriction was the only known mechanism thought to positively influence this critical gene, but recent research demonstrates that resveratrol is also able to accomplish this longevity function. Since resveratrol is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is able to improve brain plasticity by generating new neural networks.


Resveratrol has been shown to reduce the normal rate of neurodegeneration and prevent learning impairment. Further, resveratrol has been shown to increase brain oxygenation which relates to increased memory capacity and improved cognition. Researchers are exploring the possibility that this amazing nutrient may play a role in the prevention of certain dementias, including Alzheimer`s disease.


Resveratrol Inhibits the Formation of Fat Cells, Assists Weight Loss


Resveratrol has been shown to halt the formation of baby fat cells, thus providing an effective tool for the millions of people looking for a natural weight loss aide. Researchers demonstrated that fat cells make SIRT1 in direct proportion to the amount of resveratrol they are exposed to. SIRT1 halts the formation of immature fat cells which as they grow, contribute to the accumulation of dangerous abdominal fat.


Resveratrol also lowers levels of systemic inflammation, which is implicated in many afflictions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer`s disease, and inhibits the release of body fat from storage. Studies underscore the importance of resveratrol as an important tool in the fight against obesity and show that it can provide favorable metabolic stability to assist weight loss.

It`s rare when one specific nutritional compound is attributed with the potential to lower the risk of multiple disease processes and assist weight loss. Resveratrol continues to fill the promise of cardiovascular and neurologic health, as it directly influences the anti-aging SIRT1 gene, and provides support in the battle against obesity. Health conscious individuals will use this critical nutrient in a never ending battle to provide an edge against time, ageing and cellular deterioration.

Article References:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abs...
http://www.nature.com/nature/journa...
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abs...

About the author
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

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