Epidemiological data and research demonstrates that flavanol-rich cocoa can acutely reverse coronary artery disease and is effective in decreasing blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and triglyceride levels in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Studies also show it has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance and vascular and platelet function. Thus showing cocoa to be an important mediator for the reduced risk (& even reverserl) of coronary heart disease & stroke. Flavanol-rich cocoa is therefore a potential alternative approach for modulating endothelial function and dysfunction by means of nutritional rather than pharmacological intervention.

The lifelong consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa can act as a strategy for neuroprotection & has the potential ability to limit neurodegeneration & prevent or even reverse age-related cognitive decline(e.g. Parkinsons). One outstanding feature of the diet of The Kuna Indians, who live longer than other Panamanians and have a greatly reduced frequency of age-related disease, includes a very high intake of flavanol-rich cocoa (more than 4 cups of a cocoa drink on a daily basis).

Linked via neuronal system health: the magnesium-density of cocoa combined with its dopaminergic compounds & the bioavailability of flavanols from powder collectively result in powerful dopamine-boosting/antidepressant activity. Magnesium interacts with several neurohormones which play an important role in your body's “fight-or-flight” response. Hence its deficiency is linked with chronic stress, and the opposite with your ability to regulate stress.

There is growing evidence for the supportive role of cocoa-derived polyphenols on cognitive function, or ‘mental performance’ (attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functions such as reasoning, planning, problem solving, and multitasking).