What are cocoa flavanols and what is their chemical composition?
Cocoa flavanols are a type of phytonutrients that belong to a larger group of compounds called flavonoids.2. Why are they beneficial to the body and how do they act? The consumption of flavanols found in cocoa has been linked to circulatory health benefits. While some suggest that cocoa flavanols function as antioxidants, more recent advanced evidence suggests that consuming cocoa flavanols may positively impact blood vessel function and may even reduce the tendency of blood to clot. These effects are independent of the antioxidant properties that flavanols exhibit in a test tube. The studies we have published in collaboration with our academic partners suggest the circulation health benefits of Mars’ flavanol-rich cocoa are of interest to those studying cardiovascular health, cognitive health and the maintenance of health in those with type 2 diabetes.3. Are flavanols found in commonly ingested forms of chocolate? If so to what degree? Despite the fact that the cocoa seed is a rich so
