Improving Arterial Health with Cocoa: Health Benefits Explored

In a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Mary McDermott of Northwestern University, dark chocolate has been found to potentially offer a new treatment method for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) patients. This condition, which affects millions worldwide, occurs when the arteries are narrowed and cannot carry enough blood to parts of the body furthest from the heart [1].

Consuming cocoa, particularly dark chocolate rich in cocoa flavanols, has been shown to benefit PAD patients by improving vascular function and walking ability. According to the study, cocoa intake enhances endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), reducing blood pressure, and improving circulation [1][5].

The key benefits include improved vascular function, reduced blood pressure, enhanced circulation, improved walking ability, and potentially reduced insulin resistance [1][3][5]. Cocoa increases flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), indicating better endothelial-dependent vessel dilation, which improves blood flow [1]. Modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure help reduce vascular strain in PAD patients [1]. Cocoa flavanols promote vasodilation, improving blood flow to affected limbs and thereby enhancing walking performance and reducing claudication pain [5][3].

Clinical studies found that dark chocolate (85% cocoa) but not milk chocolate improved walking autonomy in PAD patients, showing immediate benefits on exercise tolerance and limb function [5]. This improvement reduces pain and fatigue associated with peripheral artery blockages.

Dr. Naomi Hamburg, chair of the American Heart Association's Peripheral Vascular Disease Council, commented that this early study suggests cocoa may turn out to be a new way to treat people with PAD [6]. However, it is essential to note that obesity and lack of exercise can cause overall deterioration of the arterial system, increasing the risk of PAD [4].

In advanced stage PAD, known as critical limb ischemia (CLI), blood flow to the legs is severely limited, leading to sores that do not heal, common gangrene, and sometimes necessitating amputation [2]. Untreated PAD can lead to a heart attack or stroke [7].

A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables, such as a Mediterranean-style or DASH diet, is recommended to avoid developing PAD or worsening symptoms [8]. Additionally, the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, include fatty fish like anchovies, sardines, salmon, herring, and mackerel, as well as flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, and canola oil [9].

Dr. Mark Wiley advised that tai chi is effective against the hardening of the arteries and is a reasonable exercise for anyone with restricted movement [10]. Furthermore, Dr. McDermott's study hypothesized that epicatechin, a flavonoid found in raw cacao, could increase mitochondria activity in the calf muscles of people with PAD, improving their strength and walking ability [3].

In the study, participants were randomly assigned to drink milk or water mixed with 15g of cocoa and 75mg of epicatechin, three times a day for six months [3]. Those who consumed cocoa showed a significant improvement in their walking ability - an average of 43 meters further in 6 minutes - while those who did not drink cocoa showed a decline of 24.2 meters in their walking distance [3].

In summary, cocoa’s flavanol content supports vascular health by improving endothelial function and circulation, which translates to better walking ability and reduced leg pain in PAD patients. This early study suggests cocoa may turn out to be a new way to treat people with PAD, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Sources: [1] longevity-protocols.com/en/knowledge-base/interventions/positive/pure-cocoa [2] newsroom.heart.org/news/1080?c=856&page=103&ct=releases [3] fastlifehacks.com/dr-rhonda-patricks-supplements-list/ [4] obesityaction.org/obesity-and-cardiovascular-disease/ [5] heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease/peripheral-artery-disease-treatment-options [6] heart.org/en/news/2021/02/04/dark-chocolate-may-improve-walking-ability-in-people-with-peripheral-artery-disease [7] heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease/peripheral-artery-disease-complications [8] heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease/peripheral-artery-disease-prevention [9] heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-disease-and-stroke-news/omega-3-fatty-acids-and-heart-disease [10] mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/in-depth/exercise/art-20047619