"A new study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that regular consumption of a special Mars, Inc., cocoa containing cocoa flavanols may have a sustained benefit on blood vessel health. This is the first study to suggest the cardiovascular benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa could be long-term."

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-nss030607.php

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Harry, my husband expressed an interest in this flavanol-rich type of cocoa - we wondered where to find a supplier. Do you have any ideas?

Xania,

I would see if your local health food store carries an organic 100% pure cocoa powder.

This is one example of such a product:

https://www.nowfoods.com/index.php?ac...&item_id=74399

Around here, in California, there are several health food markets that carry a few other brands of similar products.

This is the one I've used most recently:

https://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/n...prrfnbr=216861

I like these powders because it's easy to make hot cocoa with them.

HH

Yes, I can get organic cocoa powder. I thought it had to be a special kind? I admit I don't know enough about it!

Xania,

You're quite correct, they used a specific extract in this and other recent studies. But, I think it's reasonable to assume that many of the health-benefits attributed to this extract can also be expected for other forms of concentrated cocoa (like 100% pure cocoa powder).

Part of the reason they used a specific extract was to promote a more scientific approach to the studies. By using a standardized product, they remove some of the variables that naturally occur when testing (non-standardized) natural products.

BTW, one reason why I won't use the MARS extract is because it's not organic. I prefer the natural variations found in organic cocoa ... and without all the goodies that come with non-organic sources.

In the future, I think we'll see some natural food manufacturers produce organic versions of the MARS original. It's even possible that MARS may decide to manufacture such a product - if there's enough demand.

Aha - a man after my own heart. It must be organic! That is our creed for all our foods.

Esmeralda had an organic admirer, but she had already been adulterated.

"A nutrient in cocoa called epicatechin appears to lower the risk of four common killer diseases, work suggests."

https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6430777.stm