Cocoa Extract

Cocoa extract is a concentrated form of the beneficial compounds found in cocoa beans, which are the seeds of the cocoa tree. Cocoa extract is made by processing and extracting the active ingredients of cocoa, such as flavonoids, theobromine, and caffeine. These compounds are believed to have numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects.

Supports cardiovascular health
Cocoa extract has been shown to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that cocoa consumption was associated with reduced blood pressure and improved endothelial function (1)

Improves cognitive function
Cocoa extract may have potential benefits for cognitive function and brain health. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 90 elderly individuals found that cocoa flavanol supplementation improved cognitive function and cerebral blood flow compared to placebo (2)

Protects skin against UV damage
Cocoa extract may help protect the skin from sun damage and improve skin hydration and elasticity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 62 healthy women found that cocoa flavanol supplementation improved skin hydration and reduced UV-induced erythema compared to placebo (3)

Improves mood and reduces stress
Cocoa extract may have potential benefits for mood and stress by improving mood and reducing stress hormones. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 72 adults found that cocoa flavanol supplementation improved mood and reduced cortisol levels compared to placebo (4)

Cocoa extract is included in:

1. Ried K, Sullivan T, Fakler P, Frank OR, Stocks NP. Does chocolate reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis. BMC Med. 2010 Jun 28;8:39. doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-8-39.
2. Mastroiacovo D, Kwik-Uribe C, Grassi D, Necozione S, Raffaele A, Pistacchio L, Righetti R, Bocale R, Lechiara MC, Marini C, Ferri C, Desideri G. 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. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.092189. Epub 2014 Dec 17.
3. Heinrich U, Neukam K, Tronnier H, Sies H, Stahl W. Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6):1565-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.6.1565.
4. Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Kras M, Nolidin K, Gibbs A, Wesnes K, Stough C. Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2013 May;27(5):451-8. doi: 10.1177/0269881112473791. Epub 2013 Jan 29. PMID: 23364814.