12/10/2025
Older adults who consumed a tablespoon of natural, unprocessed cocoa each day for 12 weeks had a significant improvement in muscle mass index, grip strength, and all four physical function tests.
Natural cocoa also enhances walking performance in people with peripheral artery disease by improving blood flow and mitochondrial activity in muscles.
Why might cocoa be beneficial? Natural cocoa contains flavonoids, a type of phytonutrient that is found in higher amounts in natural (non-alkalized) cocoa compared to Dutched (alkalized) cocoa.
What else can cocoa do? Less than a tablespoon of cocoa can increase circulation within our skin, boosting it by 70 percent within two hours. Consume cocoa every day, and within three months, we end up with significantly improved skin thickness, density, and hydration. After six months, we can see a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and increased skin elasticity.
Try my Tart and Tangy Cran–Chocolate Pomegranate BROL Bowl for a delicious, antioxidant-packed treat. https://see.nf/47Xmzff.
Watch the video “How Not to Age – Live Presentation” at https://see.nf/47dqCnJ.
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See the Consumer Reports reference for choosing cocoa powders lower in heavy metals at https://see.nf/3Jjl28R
PMIDs: 31056655, 32078436, 17164979, 16702322, 26581682