Cocoa flavanols
Theobroma cacao
Cacao beans carry flavanols that rouse the enzyme lining each vessel into making nitric oxide, a gas that widens arteries and lets circulation run generously.
What the evidence shows
Every line below is carried on the blend page that makes the claim. Follow it to the pathway and its sources.
Epicatechin drives nitric oxide in the vessel lining; large trial programs established better vessel dilation.
Cocoa flavanols raises the skin's burn threshold from the inside.
Cocoa flavanols open the skin's microcirculation, thicken the dermis, and raise its tolerance of sunlight — so complexion looks rested and even.
Across 13 studies, lowered systolic pressure 3.2 mmHg and diastolic 2.0, confirmed by Cochrane in healthy adults.
Two randomized trials: lower platelet adhesion and aggregation than placebo, with blood epicatechin up 81%.
Pooled randomized human trials of cocoa flavanols report improved flow-mediated dilation, the ultrasound measure of endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Cacao, the food of the gods: its flavanols reach the colon intact, where they feed Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli and enrich the gut terrain.
Where it appears
11 blend pages carry this ingredient. Open it and you will find this ingredient in the list.
- Adipocyte Apoptosis (Mature Fat Cell Clearance)
- ALZ (Memory Preservation)
- Anti-Fatigue (Cellular Energy Endurance)
- Autonomous (Executive Command)
- EKG Cardioprotective (Contractile Reserve)
- Force Field (Genomic Radioprotection)
- Niagra (Desire, Arousal & Climax)
- Plush (Collagen, Firmness & Glow)
- Pulsar (Vascular Pressure Regulation)
- Thrombolytic (Hemostatic Balance)
- Thunder (Erectile Performance)