Cocoa Flavanols: New Hope Against Heart Aging

A new study has shown that supplements containing cocoa flavanols may reduce age-related cardiovascular inflammation. Regular use of cocoa extract was found to lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels by 8.4% per year. High-sensitivity CRP is considered an important marker of inflammation closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk.

The researchers examined blood samples from 598 participants selected from a study conducted between 2014 and 2020 that included more than 21,000 older adults. About half of the group, whose average age was 70, were women. A significant decrease in inflammatory markers was observed in individuals taking cocoa flavanols, while other inflammatory markers reportedly remained largely stable. The researchers also found an unexpected 6.8% increase in interferon-γ levels.

Data from a previously published study reported a 27% reduction in cardiovascular deaths among people taking cocoa extract, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to clinical benefit. Foods rich in flavanols, such as cocoa, tea, grapes, and blackberries, are said to potentially play an important role in suppressing age-related chronic inflammation.

Conclusion: Cocoa flavanols stand out not just as a dietary component but as a cardiometabolic support that may protect the aging heart against inflammation.

Source:
Li, S., Hamaya, R., Zhu, H., Clar, A., Rist, P. M., Huang, Y., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., & Dong, Y. (2025). Effects of 2-year cocoa extract supplementation on inflammaging biomarkers in older US adults: Findings from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study randomised clinical trial. Age and Ageing, 54(9), afaf269. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf269