Treat for Chocoholics! A Healthy Medicinal Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure

Kuka Xoco, a US-based company has developed the world’s first medicinal chocolate that may lower blood pressure and help maintain ‘good cholesterol’.

The key ingredient in chocolate, cacao, contains antioxidants and minerals, and can also play a role in lowering blood pressure and maintaining ‘good cholesterol’. However, the effects of this ingredient is usually offset by the fact that most chocolate bars contain at least 70 percent fat and sugar.

Cocoa Flavanols Found in Chocolates Lowers Blood Pressure, Maintains Heart Health
Dietary intake of flavanols has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health but these compounds are often destroyed during normal food processing.

The new prototype bar, being developed by Kuka Xoco, contains only 35 percent fats and sugar so that the cacao will be more effective.

“Using micrograms of coco plant extract, we can de-bitter unsweetened cacao. This eliminates the need for sugar, sweeteners and much of the fat in chocolate, unleashing the medical benefits of cacao,” said Gregory Aharonian, spokesperson of Kuka Xoco.

The current prototype cuts the fat content by half, but the company eventually plan to develop chocolate containing just ten percent fat and sugar.

Chocolate Made of Dietary Cocoa Extract may Slow Brain Loss in the Elderly
Evidence suggests that certain procedures used in cocoa processing can significantly influence its polyphenol content, influencing its biological activity.

Source-Medindia

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Along With Its Delicious Taste, Cocoa Extract Has Other Benefits too
There is strong scientific evidence supporting the growing interest in developing cocoa extract as a natural source to maintain and promote brain health.