August 2009

Many studies suggest that milk-free cocoa drink is beneficial to the heart. Cocoa contains theobromide (comes from root Greek, meaning “food of the Gods”) which is is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant. Throughout the century, theobromine has been used as a treatment for many circulatory problems including arteriosclerosis, certain vascular diseases, angina pectoris, and hypertension.

Some scientists believe that, flavoniods, the antioxidants found in cocoa, can help the body produce more nitric oxide, thereby relaxing the veins, lowering the blood pressure and helping the blood circulation.

According to a study carried out by preventive cardiology center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago [1 ], the best cocoa to drink should be milk-free and sugar-free.

The study involved 45 overweight or obese participants aged 30 to 75. Overweight participants were chosen for the study because they were believed to have higher risks of cardiovascular disease. The participants were instructed to drink an 8-ounce cup of sugar-free cocoa, sugared cocoa, or a hot nonfat milk beverage each morning for six weeks.

Results of the study showed that the ability of arteries to relax and expand to accommodate increased blood flow to the heart increased by about 39% by two hours after people drank the sugar-free cocoa. When they drank cocoa with sugar it improved by about 23%. In contrast, it dropped 12% when they consumed the nonfat milk drink.

The study also demonstrates the fact that milk is counter-productive to the blood circulation system. Some other studies even suggest that adding a diary product actually blocks the body's ability to properly absorb antioxidants found in cocoa .

In another study [2], researchers even suggest that flavanols, the antioxidant found in cocoa, could have a "promising role" to treat brain conditions such as stroke and dementia.

Cocoa may not be qualified as a food for famine. But it is not expensive even in a developing economy. In Hongkong, for example, one can buy a can of cocoa powder from Welcome Supermarket for about HK$40 (approximately, US$ 5). By drinking cocoa everyday, those living in Hongkong can not only enjoy the health benefits of cocoa, but also cost-effectively cut down their food bills without overly taxing their bodies.

On the other hands, scientists in the US have discovered that some of the cocoa products have been contaminated with lead. That's not a big deal. I bellieve some inexpensive vegetable such as cilantro can chelate lead.

Reference

1) Charlene Laino, "Cocoa Boosts Heart Health, Flavonoid-Rich Dark Chocolate Improves Blood Vessel Function ", March 24, 2007, WebMD.

2) Kelley Colihan, "Cocoa Compound Boosts Brain's Blood Flow: Flavanols in Cocoa May Help Treat Stroke, Dementia  ", Aug. 21, 2008, WebMD.