#Flavanols
Happy #NationalHotChocolateDay
Harvard research shows:
The flavanols & phytosterols in real hot 🍫 ⬇️ bad cholesterol in the 🩸.
Flavanols in cocoa ⬆️🧠O2 levels, neurone activity & therefore ⬆️🧠 performance.
Antioxidants in dark 🍫 help ⬇️ the negative impact of aging, ⬆️ the immune system & ⬇️ inflammation.
January 31, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Dark chocolate contains flavanols & polyphenols that neutralise oxidative stress 🍒 Oxidative stress plays a big part in the aging process 🥥 Moral: stay young, eat more chocolate! You're welcome! 🌿🍒

#chocolate #healthy #health #food #herbs
April 25, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Adding a banana to your smoothie may drastically reduce the absorption of flavanols — powerful compounds linked to heart and brain health. In experiments, banana-based smoothies cut flavanol absorption by 84% compared to berry-based ones.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
Bananas could be ruining your smoothie’s health benefits
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that adding a banana to your smoothie may drastically reduce the absorption of flavanols — powerful compounds linked to heart and brain health. The culprit is polyph...
www.sciencedaily.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Researchers found that adding banana to smoothies may interfere with absorption of powerful compounds called flavanols, which are linked to brain and heart health.
www.upi.com/Health_News/...
Skip the banana for a healthier smoothie, study says - UPI.com
Researchers found that adding banana to smoothies may interfere with absorption of powerful compounds called flavanols, which are linked to brain and heart health, that are found in other fruits.
www.upi.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Dark chocolate is often considered healthier due to its higher cocoa content, which provides more antioxidants and flavanols. These compounds are linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health.
September 25, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Cocoa or green tea could protect you from the negative effects of fatty foods during mental stress

"Cocoa flavanols rescue stress-induced declines in endothelial function after a high-fat meal, but do not affect cerebral oxygenation during stress in young, healthy adults"

doi.org/10.1039/D4FO...
Cocoa flavanols rescue stress-induced declines in endothelial function after a high-fat meal, but do not affect cerebral oxygenation during stress in young, healthy adults
Food choices during stressful periods often worsen, which can influence the impact of stress on vascular health. For instance, fat consumption impairs the recovery of endothelial function following me...
doi.org
December 10, 2024 at 12:29 AM
Top five-a-day foods new study says your heart needs. No mention of chocolate. Hmm... 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Top five-a-day foods new study says your heart needs
Not all fruit and veg is equal for getting nutrients called flavanols, say researchers.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
May 30, 2025 at 1:51 PM
In my latest column, I explore whether dark chocolate deserves its health halo. Spoiler: it's tantalisingly inconclusive, despite what the supermodels say www.newscientist.com/article/2481...
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 9, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
May 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Praying the answer is yes...
Is Chocolate Actually Good For You?
From heart health to blood flow, research suggests that the flavanols in dark chocolate may deliver benefits far beyond its sweet taste.
plantbasednews.org
March 9, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 8, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Studies show that the plant substances contained in cocoa, especially the flavanols, activate our stem cells and can even promote the regeneration of these precious cells. Not through volume or pressure, but through a gentle invitation: “Wake up. Regenerate. Heal.”
a person sifting cocoa powder into a chocolate cake
ALT: a person sifting cocoa powder into a chocolate cake
media.tenor.com
May 31, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Your brain loves cocoa. But why?

Cocoa flavanols activate nitric oxide pathways that improve blood vessel function and oxygen delivery. Translation? Better oxygen delivery to your brain. This supports focus, memory, and mood. It’s indulgence AND nourishment.

#NationalCocoaDay
December 13, 2025 at 5:49 PM
But what if I don’t care about flavanols and just want to increase my fruit intake? WHAT THEN, Food & Wine???
May 18, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 4, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
May 31, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 9, 2025 at 11:38 PM
“Summary: A new study establishes the critical role of flavanols, nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, in mitigating age-related memory loss.”

neurosciencenews.com/memory-aging...
Memory Boosting Power of Flavanols in Aging Adults - Neuroscience News
A new study establishes the critical role of flavanols, nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, in mitigating age-related memory loss.
neurosciencenews.com
May 4, 2024 at 1:42 PM
Cocoa Flavanols Reduce Age-Related Cardiovascular Inflammation.

Researchers found that daily cocoa extract reduced hsCRP, a key inflammatory biomarker, by 8.4% each year.

#Cardiology

www.emjreviews.com/cardiology/n...
Cocoa Flavanols Reduce Age-Related Cardiovascular Inflammation
Cocoa flavanol supplements reduce key inflammatory markers linked to ageing and heart disease. Keep reading to learn their clinical potential.
www.emjreviews.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Social media is awash with claims that chocolate can enhance the health of our heart, brain and gut microbiome. Is that just wishful thinking?
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food?
Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate
www.newscientist.com
June 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
A delicious solution for sitting too long?

Researchers found that consuming flavanols, a compound found in cocoa, can help protect blood vessels from the effects of prolonged sitting. www.optimistdaily.com/2025/11/too-...
Too much sitting? Cocoa might be your sweetest health hack yet | The Optimist Daily
Sweet news for desk dwellers! A new UK study suggests that flavanols in cocoa may protect your arteries from the health risks of prolonged sitting.
www.optimistdaily.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:49 PM