Last update
6/4/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 tbsp (6 g)
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
25
Total Fat
0.5 g
1%
Saturated Fat
0 g
2%
Trans Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Sodium
0 mg
0%
Total Carbohydrate
3 g
1%
Dietary Fiber
2 g
7%
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
0%
Protein
2 g
Vitamin D
0 mcg
0%
Calcium
14 mg
2%
Iron
1 mg
4%
Potassium
116 mg
2%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We evaluated the potential benefits of consuming 30 grams of 65% cocoa (dark chocolate) daily for a week among patients with stable coronary artery disease already treated with standard antiplatelet medications.
Our findings showed that cocoa notably boosted the effects of clopidogrel, reducing platelet reactivity, but it didn't help with aspirin's action. While these results are promising, more comprehensive, long-term studies are necessary to understand cocoa's role in heart health fully.
Our findings showed that cocoa notably boosted the effects of clopidogrel, reducing platelet reactivity, but it didn't help with aspirin's action. While these results are promising, more comprehensive, long-term studies are necessary to understand cocoa's role in heart health fully.
Read More
7
We explored how dietary cocoa affects heart health by analyzing data from 31 randomized controlled trials, including nearly 2,000 participants.
While cocoa didn't significantly impact body weight or waist size, we observed notable reductions in harmful cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.
These findings suggest that including cocoa—especially dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa—in our diet could help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, which is promising news for heart health enthusiasts.
While cocoa didn't significantly impact body weight or waist size, we observed notable reductions in harmful cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.
These findings suggest that including cocoa—especially dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa—in our diet could help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, which is promising news for heart health enthusiasts.
Read More
9
Cocoa shell extract improves hypertension
We explored how a polyphenol-rich extract from cocoa shell (CSE) affects hypertension related to fetal undernutrition in rats. The study involved supplementing both male and female rats, previously affected by maternal food restriction, with CSE over three weeks.
We observed that CSE supplementation not only normalized high blood pressure in male rats but also improved the functioning of their resistance arteries. This included better vasodilation, which is vital for healthy blood flow. While CSE boosted results in males, females did not show a significant change in blood pressure, though CSE effectively reduced oxidative stress markers.
Overall, cocoa shell extract presents a promising approach to manage hypertension linked to developmental issues, contributing to both health and sustainable practices.
We observed that CSE supplementation not only normalized high blood pressure in male rats but also improved the functioning of their resistance arteries. This included better vasodilation, which is vital for healthy blood flow. While CSE boosted results in males, females did not show a significant change in blood pressure, though CSE effectively reduced oxidative stress markers.
Overall, cocoa shell extract presents a promising approach to manage hypertension linked to developmental issues, contributing to both health and sustainable practices.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Heart disease reduction
Cocoa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and mitigate cardiovascular disease risks. Studies have shown that regular chocolate consumption is linked to lower cardiac death rates and reduced incidents of myocardial infarction and strokes.
Read More
9
Cognitive benefits
This cocoa is beneficial for brain health and has antioxidant properties that protect against inflammation. I’m convinced that regular intake improves blood flow to the brain, which could help in combating age-related cognitive declines, including Alzheimer's disease.
Read More
9
Cardiovascular health benefits
It strengthens the cardiovascular system, stimulates desire, and improves sperm quality and blood properties. Cocoa helps prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, while significantly enhancing cognitive abilities in men.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
Cocoa shell extract improves hypertension
We explored how a polyphenol-rich extract from cocoa shell (CSE) affects hypertension related to fetal undernutrition in rats. The study involved supplementing both male and female rats, previously affected by maternal food restriction, with CSE over three weeks.
We observed that CSE supplementation not only normalized high blood pressure in male rats but also improved the functioning of their resistance arteries. This included better vasodilation, which is vital for healthy blood flow. While CSE boosted results in males, females did not show a significant change in blood pressure, though CSE effectively reduced oxidative stress markers.
Overall, cocoa shell extract presents a promising approach to manage hypertension linked to developmental issues, contributing to both health and sustainable practices.
We observed that CSE supplementation not only normalized high blood pressure in male rats but also improved the functioning of their resistance arteries. This included better vasodilation, which is vital for healthy blood flow. While CSE boosted results in males, females did not show a significant change in blood pressure, though CSE effectively reduced oxidative stress markers.
Overall, cocoa shell extract presents a promising approach to manage hypertension linked to developmental issues, contributing to both health and sustainable practices.
Read More
9
We conducted a thorough investigation into chocolate consumption and its effects on long-term mortality. Analyzing data from over 27,000 men followed for 30 years, we found that those who enjoyed chocolate had lower chances of dying from overall causes, heart disease, and cancer.
Specifically, higher chocolate intake correlated with significant reductions in mortality rates, with around a 13% lower risk for heart disease.
Even when considering factors like weight and cholesterol, the relationship held strong. This suggests that moderate chocolate consumption may benefit cardiovascular health without serious risks.
Specifically, higher chocolate intake correlated with significant reductions in mortality rates, with around a 13% lower risk for heart disease.
Even when considering factors like weight and cholesterol, the relationship held strong. This suggests that moderate chocolate consumption may benefit cardiovascular health without serious risks.
Read More
8
We explored the role of flavan-3-ols, specifically from cocoa, in improving cardiovascular health. Clinical studies show that these compounds can significantly lower blood pressure and enhance endothelial function. However, studies involving catechins from green tea showed more promising results with healthy individuals.
While flavan-3-ols demonstrate potential health benefits, emerging evidence highlights the need for further research to fully understand these effects and the influence of the microbiota on cardiovascular health.
While flavan-3-ols demonstrate potential health benefits, emerging evidence highlights the need for further research to fully understand these effects and the influence of the microbiota on cardiovascular health.
Read More
8
Cocoa flavanols support muscle health
We investigated the effects of cocoa flavanols on muscle health in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A phase II randomized trial demonstrated that a cocoa-flavanol-rich beverage improved walking performance compared to a placebo.
Our analysis revealed that cocoa consumption activated antioxidant pathways, specifically targeting proteins linked to muscle protection. This activation supports enhanced antioxidant defenses and reduced muscle damage.
Essentially, cocoa flavanols show promise for improving muscle function and health in PAD patients, helping them walk better and feel stronger.
Our analysis revealed that cocoa consumption activated antioxidant pathways, specifically targeting proteins linked to muscle protection. This activation supports enhanced antioxidant defenses and reduced muscle damage.
Essentially, cocoa flavanols show promise for improving muscle function and health in PAD patients, helping them walk better and feel stronger.
Read More
8
We evaluated the potential benefits of consuming 30 grams of 65% cocoa (dark chocolate) daily for a week among patients with stable coronary artery disease already treated with standard antiplatelet medications.
Our findings showed that cocoa notably boosted the effects of clopidogrel, reducing platelet reactivity, but it didn't help with aspirin's action. While these results are promising, more comprehensive, long-term studies are necessary to understand cocoa's role in heart health fully.
Our findings showed that cocoa notably boosted the effects of clopidogrel, reducing platelet reactivity, but it didn't help with aspirin's action. While these results are promising, more comprehensive, long-term studies are necessary to understand cocoa's role in heart health fully.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Heart disease reduction
Cocoa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and mitigate cardiovascular disease risks. Studies have shown that regular chocolate consumption is linked to lower cardiac death rates and reduced incidents of myocardial infarction and strokes.
Read More
9
Cognitive benefits
This cocoa is beneficial for brain health and has antioxidant properties that protect against inflammation. I’m convinced that regular intake improves blood flow to the brain, which could help in combating age-related cognitive declines, including Alzheimer's disease.
Read More
9
Cardiovascular health benefits
It strengthens the cardiovascular system, stimulates desire, and improves sperm quality and blood properties. Cocoa helps prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, while significantly enhancing cognitive abilities in men.
Read More
7.5
Protective properties
Cocoa contains flavonoids and polyphenols, offering stronger antioxidant functions than vitamins C and E. It protects the cardiovascular system and benefits brain health, dissolving easily with a mellow taste.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Heart disease reduction
Cocoa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and mitigate cardiovascular disease risks. Studies have shown that regular chocolate consumption is linked to lower cardiac death rates and reduced incidents of myocardial infarction and strokes.
9
Cognitive benefits
This cocoa is beneficial for brain health and has antioxidant properties that protect against inflammation. I’m convinced that regular intake improves blood flow to the brain, which could help in combating age-related cognitive declines, including Alzheimer's disease.
9
Cardiovascular health benefits
It strengthens the cardiovascular system, stimulates desire, and improves sperm quality and blood properties. Cocoa helps prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, while significantly enhancing cognitive abilities in men.
7
Cocoa flavanols' unclear vascular benefits
We explored the effects of cocoa flavanols (CFs) on the microvascular function of both healthy individuals and those at risk for cardiovascular disease. By reviewing randomized, placebo-controlled studies, we sought to understand if CFs could improve blood vessel responses.
While we found that CFs may enhance microvascular function, especially after acute consumption, the variation in study designs and populations led us to conclude that the benefits were not consistently strong. In summary, the impact of CFs on smaller blood vessels appears less clear compared to their effects on larger arteries.
While we found that CFs may enhance microvascular function, especially after acute consumption, the variation in study designs and populations led us to conclude that the benefits were not consistently strong. In summary, the impact of CFs on smaller blood vessels appears less clear compared to their effects on larger arteries.
7
We explored how dietary cocoa affects heart health by analyzing data from 31 randomized controlled trials, including nearly 2,000 participants.
While cocoa didn't significantly impact body weight or waist size, we observed notable reductions in harmful cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.
These findings suggest that including cocoa—especially dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa—in our diet could help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, which is promising news for heart health enthusiasts.
While cocoa didn't significantly impact body weight or waist size, we observed notable reductions in harmful cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.
These findings suggest that including cocoa—especially dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa—in our diet could help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, which is promising news for heart health enthusiasts.
7
We explored how dark chocolate, high in cocoa flavan-3-ols, affects the blood vessel responses in young men.
In a study with two groups, each made up of White Europeans and South Asians, we found varying effects.
While dark chocolate improved certain responses to stress and influenced blood flow in one group, it did not have the same impact on the other.
Overall, it seems that lifestyle and ethnicity play significant roles in how various individuals respond to cocoa flavan-3-ols.
In a study with two groups, each made up of White Europeans and South Asians, we found varying effects.
While dark chocolate improved certain responses to stress and influenced blood flow in one group, it did not have the same impact on the other.
Overall, it seems that lifestyle and ethnicity play significant roles in how various individuals respond to cocoa flavan-3-ols.
4
Cocoa may reduce cardiovascular deaths
We conducted a large-scale, double-blind trial to investigate if cocoa extract could help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults. With over 21,000 participants, half received cocoa supplements while the other half got a placebo.
The results showed cocoa extract did not significantly cut down on total cardiovascular events but interestingly, it did reduce CVD deaths by 27%. This suggests some benefits may exist, warranting further research into cocoa's role in heart health.
The results showed cocoa extract did not significantly cut down on total cardiovascular events but interestingly, it did reduce CVD deaths by 27%. This suggests some benefits may exist, warranting further research into cocoa's role in heart health.
References
- Richardson S, Marshall J, Rendeiro C. The role of cocoa flavanols in modulating peripheral and cerebral microvascular function in healthy individuals and populations at-risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Nutr J. 2025;24:57. 10.1186/s12937-025-01121-9
- Ruvira S, Rodríguez-Rodríguez P, Abderrahim F, Morales D, Cañas S, et al. Resistance artery vasodilator pathways involved in the antihypertensive effects of cocoa shell extract in rats exposed to fetal undernutrition. J Physiol. 2024;602:6065. 10.1113/JP287097
- Latif HM, Richardson SR, Marshall JM. Beneficial Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Microvascular Responses in Young Men May Be Dependent on Ethnicity and Lifestyle. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16172911
- Godos J, Romano GL, Laudani S, Gozzo L, Guerrera I, et al. Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16152471
- Arisi TOP, da Silva DS, Stein E, Weschenfelder C, de Oliveira PC, et al. Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Markers: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16121919
- Ismaeel A, McDermott MM, Joshi JK, Sturgis JC, Zhang D, et al. Cocoa flavanols, Nrf2 activation, and oxidative stress in peripheral artery disease: mechanistic findings in muscle based on outcomes from a randomized trial. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2024;326:C589. 10.1152/ajpcell.00573.2023
- Dicks L, Haddad Z, Deisling S, Ellinger S. Effect of an (-)-Epicatechin Intake on Cardiometabolic Parameters-A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14214500
- Seecheran NA, Sukha D, Grimaldos K, Grimaldos G, Richard S, et al. Effect of cocoa ( L.) on platelet function testing profiles in patients with coronary artery disease: ECLAIR pilot study. Open Heart. 2022;9. 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002066
- Weikart DK, Indukuri VV, Racine KC, Coleman KM, Kovac J, et al. Effect of processing on the anti-inflammatory efficacy of cocoa in a high fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity. J Nutr Biochem. 2022;109:109117. 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109117
- Bustamante-Pozo M, Ramirez-Sanchez I, Garate-Carrillo A, Ito B, Navarrete V, et al. (-)-Epicatechin Ameliorates Cardiac Fibrosis in a Female Rat Model of Pre-Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. J Med Food. 2022;25:836. 10.1089/jmf.2021.0158
- Dural İE, Onrat E, Çelik S, Vurmaz A, Yalım Z, et al. The Relationships Between Chocolate Consumption and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2022;50:334. 10.5543/tkda.2022.21249
- Tanghe A, Heyman E, Lespagnol E, Stautemas J, Celie B, et al. Acute Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Vascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Essential Hypertension. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14132692
- Zhao B, Gan L, Yu K, Männistö S, Huang J, et al. Relationship between chocolate consumption and overall and cause-specific mortality, systematic review and updated meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2022;37:321. 10.1007/s10654-022-00858-5
- Sesso HD, Manson JE, Aragaki AK, Rist PM, Johnson LG, et al. Effect of cocoa flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;115:1490. 10.1093/ajcn/nqac055
- Chen X, Guan X, Tang Y, Deng J, Zhang X. Effects of cocoa products intake on cardiometabolic biomarkers of type 2 diabetes patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on both long-term and short-term randomised controlled trials. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2022;73:571. 10.1080/09637486.2022.2046711
- Balayssac-Siransy E, Ouattara S, Boka KJM, Ahiboh H, Yéo TA, et al. Dose-effect relation between regular consumption of 100% cocoa powder and blood pressure in young, healthy black Africans. Physiol Rep. 2021;9:e15070. 10.14814/phy2.15070
