What Is Cocoa? Other Names: Beurre de Cacao, Chocolat Noir, Theobroma Cacao

What is Cocoa?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Cocoa, derived from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, is a rich source of flavonoids, particularly flavanols, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic effects, and neuroprotective properties. Other names include: 3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1h-purine-2 6-dione, Beurre de Cacao, Cacao, Chocolat, Chocolat Noir, Chocolate, Cocoa Bean, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Oleum, Cocoa Seed, Cocoa Semen, Cocoa Testae, Dark Chocolate, Dutch Chocolate, Fève de Cacao, Graine de Cacao, Theobroma, Theobroma cacao, Theobroma sativum, Theobromine, Théobromine.

Health Benefits of Cocoa

Cardiovascular Health

Cocoa has been shown to have several beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. It is rich in flavonoids, which are known to improve vascular function and lipid profiles. For instance, a study demonstrated that cocoa consumption increased HDL cholesterol levels and serum insulin concentrations in obese adults with type 2 diabetes, although it did not significantly affect other lipid parameters or blood pressure2. Another study found that short-term supplementation with flavanol-rich cocoa improved lipid profiles and antioxidant status in healthy subjects, reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxidized LDL levels while increasing HDL cholesterol9.

Anti-Diabetic Effects

Cocoa’s potential anti-diabetic properties have been highlighted in several studies. In diabetic rat models, cocoa was found to improve glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling, thereby ameliorating hepatic insulin resistance7. Additionally, cocoa intake was shown to attenuate renal injury in diabetic rats by improving glucose tolerance and insulin resistance8. These findings suggest that cocoa can play a role in managing diabetes and its complications.

Neuroprotective Properties

The neuroprotective effects of cocoa are attributed to its high flavonoid content, which can mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. A study on diabetic retinas revealed that polyphenol-enriched cocoa protected against glial reaction through the sirtuin pathway, reducing reactive oxygen species production and improving SIRT1 activity1. However, another study on healthy older adults did not find significant neuropsychological benefits from short-term cocoa consumption, although it did note an increase in pulse rates4.

Weight Management and Athletic Performance

Cocoa has also been studied for its effects on body composition and athletic performance. In endurance athletes, chronic supplementation with flavanol-rich cocoa reduced body fat mass, particularly in the trunk and lower limbs, without affecting performance5. This reduction in body fat was associated with changes in plasma levels of follistatin and leptin, indicating a potential mechanism for cocoa’s effects on lipid metabolism.

Cancer Prevention

Cocoa’s antioxidant properties may also contribute to cancer prevention. In a mouse model of colitis-associated cancer, dietary cocoa was found to activate the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in cancer development6. This suggests that cocoa could have chemopreventive effects, particularly in cancers associated with chronic inflammation.

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Adverse Effects of Cocoa

Decreased Large Artery Elasticity

Acute cocoa supplementation in obese adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) showed a decrease in large artery elasticity, which could be a concern for cardiovascular health1.

No Significant Improvement in Cardiovascular Health

In postmenopausal women, daily intake of cocoa-rich chocolate did not significantly improve most cardiovascular health parameters, suggesting limited cardiovascular benefits and no adverse effects on the parameters evaluated2.

In subjects with coronary artery disease, flavanol-rich cocoa did not modify vascular function over a 6-week period, indicating no significant cardiovascular benefits8.

Potential Bone Health Concerns

In a study on ovariectomized rats, high doses of cocoa (12%) led to higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lower levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in bone tissue, which could negatively impact bone health5.

No Significant Changes in Metabolic Characteristics

Regular high-cocoa chocolate consumption did not significantly affect metabolic characteristics during exercise or body composition in young adults, indicating no metabolic benefits6.

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How has Cocoa Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cardiovascular Benefits

Blood Pressure Reduction: Flavanol-rich dark chocolate (DC) significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension (EH)1. Similarly, cocoa flavanol (CF) ingestion reduced diastolic blood pressure in patients on hemodialysis2.

Improved Vascular Function: DC improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function, in hypertensive patients1. CF-rich supplements also enhanced FMD in patients on hemodialysis and those with chronic heart failure2 7. In diabetic patients, flavanol-containing cocoa increased FMD by 30% over 30 days3.

Reduced Cardiovascular Events: In a large trial, cocoa extract supplementation showed a non-significant trend towards reducing total cardiovascular events but significantly reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) death by 27%4.

Metabolic Benefits

Insulin Sensitivity: DC improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin resistance in hypertensive patients1. However, in another study, cocoa did not significantly improve insulin resistance in essential hypertension6.

Lipid Profile: DC decreased serum LDL cholesterol in hypertensive patients1. In older adults, flavanol-rich cocoa improved glycemia and lipid profiles, including triglycerides and HDL cholesterol8.

Quality of Life and Physical Performance

Mobility and Muscle Function: In older adults, flavanol-rich cocoa improved physical performance, muscle function, and quality of life8. In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), cocoa improved walking performance and muscle mitochondrial activity9.

Diabetes Management

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Prevention: A large trial found that cocoa extract supplementation did not significantly reduce the risk of developing T2D over a median follow-up of 3.5 years10. However, regular cocoa consumption did not affect cardiometabolic parameters in stably treated patients with T2D and hypertension5.

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Cocoa Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Oxidative Stress Reduction: Cocoa polyphenols reduce oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)1 3. This reduction in oxidative stress is observed in various tissues, including bone, kidney, and liver1 3 5.

NF-κB Modulation: Cocoa decreases the activation of NF-κB, a key regulator of inflammation, thereby reducing the expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines involved in inflammatory processes4.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Endothelial Function: Cocoa improves endothelial function by enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reducing arterial stiffness. This is achieved through increased nitric oxide availability and reduced oxidative stress2 7 8.

Blood Pressure Regulation: Cocoa consumption leads to a dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure, likely due to improved endothelial function and decreased levels of endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor2 7 8.

Metabolic Effects

Glucose Homeostasis: Cocoa helps in maintaining glucose homeostasis by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels. This is mediated through the modulation of insulin signaling pathways and the regulation of glucose transporters and gluconeogenic enzymes5 6.

Lipid Metabolism: Cocoa intake can also influence lipid metabolism, contributing to improved metabolic profiles in diabetic models5.

Bone Health

Bone Metabolism: Cocoa positively affects bone metabolism by decreasing bone turnover and improving bone density and strength. This is partly due to the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity and the enhancement of systemic antioxidant defenses1.

Epigenetic Modulation

DNA Methylation: Cocoa consumption alters DNA methylation patterns, particularly in genes involved in the methylation process, which may contribute to its long-term health benefits10.

Neuroprotective Effects

Sirtuin Pathway: Cocoa protects against neurodegeneration by enhancing the activity of sirtuins, which are involved in cellular stress responses and longevity. This effect is particularly noted in diabetic retinas, where cocoa reduces oxidative stress and inflammation9.

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Common Complaints Associated with Cocoa Use

Impact on Large Artery Elasticity: Acute cocoa supplementation was found to decrease large artery elasticity in obese adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) after a high-fat meal. This reduction in large artery elasticity was significant at 2 hours post-consumption1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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