Health
Can Cocoa Supplements Help Your Heart?
Health Points
- Daily cocoa extract supplements may lower inflammation linked to heart disease in older adults.
- Flavanols found in cocoa and other foods offer anti-inflammatory benefits for heart health.
- Experts recommend focusing on a plant-based diet, exercise, and stress management for healthy aging.
A recent study highlights promising results for cocoa extract supplements in reducing inflammation tied to age-related heart disease.
Researchers observed that older adults taking these supplements had a noticeable drop in an inflammation marker connected to heart health.
Cocoa’s Age-Defying Potential
The large initial COSMOS trial involved adults taking either cocoa extract or a placebo, with support from supplement makers but without their influence over the study’s outcomes.
After several years, participants using cocoa supplements saw a meaningful reduction in heart disease deaths, though overall cardiovascular events remained unchanged.
The subset examined in the current research revealed that daily cocoa supplements led to a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an indicator of inflammation.
“We found support for the idea that cocoa supplements may ease age-related inflammation,” says Howard Sesso, ScD, MPH, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Flavanols and Heart Health
Flavanols, present in cocoa as well as tea, berries, nuts, and spices, may offer meaningful heart benefits by combating inflammation.
Other studies have shown eating dark chocolate or taking cocoa extract supplements for several weeks might help improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
Should You Add Cocoa Extract to Your Routine?
The amount of cocoa flavanols studied matches expert dietary recommendations but sourcing this amount from regular chocolate is difficult due to processing.
“Cocoa powder could provide some flavanols, but the best approach is to enjoy a broad plant-based diet,” Sesso advises. “Supplements are available, but prioritizing healthy eating habits is wiser at first.”
Anyone with a cocoa allergy or caffeine sensitivity should avoid these supplements, as cocoa contains both stimulants and allergens, Sesso adds.
What the Research Shows—and What It Doesn’t
The COSMOS trial was thorough and well-designed, but findings were limited to healthy older adults, and the study didn’t cover how inflammation changes might impact heart disease development.
“We studied biomarkers tied to inflammation, not direct measures of aging,” explains Douglas Vaughan, MD, from Northwestern University. “It’s important not to overinterpret the results — the perspective remains limited so far.”
Keys to Longevity: Diet, Activity, and Stress
The research encourages focusing on nutrient-rich foods containing flavanols for heart health and longevity.
“Nutritious dietary patterns, paired with regular exercise and effective stress management, remain the most important strategies for long-term health,” Sesso emphasizes.
Vaughan also recommends: “First, exercise often; second, reach your healthiest weight; and third, keep stress under control.”
Speak with your healthcare provider before adding supplements, and remember that no single food ensures lasting wellness.
