Early in 2015, researchers from a Boston-based company found a way to remove bitterness from cacao, paving the way for the creation of chocolate with medicinal value. Now, a recent study announced a new method of chocolate indulgence in pill form.
Researchers found that the flavanols found in cocoa extract are good for heart health. While this sounds promising, the new method of 'eating' these flavanols is not as satisfying as biting into a smooth and velvety-rich bar of chocolate.
Chocolate and sweets companies are on a roll in extracting flavanols. Barry Callebaut, one of the world's leading chocolate and cocoa manufacturers, is gearing up for the release of its flavanol pills. The European Commission approved the company's health claim that linked cocoa flavanols to good heart health in early 2015. The company recently announced its collaboration with French company Naturex to manufacture and trade the flavanol extracts.
Mars, the company behind M&M's chocolates, is also on track with its flavanol capsules called CocoaVia. The company stated in the product site that experts believe cocoa beans are surprising superfruits.
"Cocoa flavanols are the beneficial phytonutrients (also known as plant-based nutrients) found naturally in cocoa, and no other food on Earth can match cocoa's unique blend of flavanols," Mars explains. "Through decades of research, cocoa flavanols have been scientifically proven to help support healthy circulation by helping your arteries stay flexible at any age."
The European health authorities have also approved CocoaVia for its heart health benefits.
Mondelez International, which manages snack and chocolate brands including Cadbury Dairy Milk and Toblerone, is also on the flavanols bandwagon. Swiss brand Lindt refused to follow the flavanol trend and stressed they want to focus on the indulgence people get from eating chocolates.
European food safety experts shared that 200 milligrams (0.007 ounces) of flavanols have health benefits, including improving blood circulation. This means that people would need to consume at least two bars of dark chocolate in order to get 200 milligrams of flavanols, along with 350 calories and 20 grams of fat.
Mars said consumers can get the same amount of flavanols from four milk chocolate bars, together with 50 grams of fat and 900 calories. On the other hand, chocolate pills will help consumers get the necessary amount of flavanols, but minus the fat, sugar and calories, of course.
Photo: Dominic Lockyer | Flickr
