SPECIFIC HEALTH BENEFITS OF CACAO
1. Cardiovascular Health
- Cacao is rich in flavanols, a compound that:
- 1) Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
- 2) Enhances endothelial function, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Studies have linked moderate dark chocolate consumption to reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
2. Brain Health
- Cognitive function:
- Flavanols in cacao can improve memory and focus by increasing blood flow to the brain.
- Regular consumption is associated with delayed cognitive decline in older adults.
- Mood booster:
- Cacao contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which enhance feelings of well-being.
- Its impact on serotonin levels helps reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
- Cacao helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases.
- It also has anti-inflammatory effects, supporting overall wellness.
4. Metabolic Benefits
- Some studies suggest that cacao may:
- 1) Improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- 2) Aid in weight management (when consumed without excess sugar)
5. Skin Health
- Flavanols in cacao have been shown to:
- 1) Protect skin from UV damage.
- 2) Enhance hydration and elasticity.
WHAT IS A STEM CELL?
- A Stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to replicate and develop into specialized cell types in the body
- Stem cells have the ability to self-renew, recreate functional tissues and help restore vital organs
- Stem cells serve as a repair system which can double into many different types of healing cells
WHY SHOULD I BOOST MY STEM CELLS?
- Rejuvenates your bodies own healing abilities, improves overall brain function and heart health
- Regenerates and repairs tissues and organs that have been damaged or affected by disease
- Enhances the growth of healthy skin and helps reverse the aging process
CACAO STUDIES
There are numerous studies on the benefits of consuming cocoa. You can see why we're so enthusiastic about it.
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COSMOS (COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study)
This article summarizes the results from COSMOS, the largest randomized trial on cocoa extract and multivitamins, following over 21,000 participants aged 60 and above for nearly four years. Researchers observed a 10% reduction in cardiovascular events among those taking cocoa extract compared to a placebo, though the difference wasn’t statistically significant. However, a more focused analysis revealed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 27% reduction in cardiovascular-related deaths among compliant cocoa extract users. While cocoa extract didn’t significantly impact cancer rates or deaths, these initial findings offer promising insights into cocoa's potential cardiovascular benefits and highlight the need for further research.
Health Benefits of Cacao by Dr. William Li
In this article, Dr. William Li highlights the numerous health benefits of cacao, focusing on its rich bioactive profile and powerful nutrients. Differentiating between “cacao” and “cocoa,” he emphasizes that both contain beneficial compounds, with higher flavonoid content linked to greater health advantages. Studies discussed show that cacao’s procyanidins may reduce harmful blood vessel growth linked to disease, while high-flavanol cacao enhances stem cell function and blood vessel health. Additional research links cacao’s fiber to gut health, supporting beneficial bacteria that help reduce inflammation. Dr. Li concludes that dark chocolate, with minimal sugar and over 70% cacao, is the healthiest choice, offering potent cardiovascular benefits and a versatile way to incorporate cacao into daily routines.
Cocoa Flavanols Improve Vascular and Blood Pressure Measures for Coronary Artery Disease Patients by Lauren Hammit
Research led by UCSF cardiologists reveals that cocoa flavanols can significantly improve blood pressure, blood vessel function, and increase circulating angiogenic cells, which are essential for vascular repair. In a randomized crossover study with coronary artery disease patients, participants consumed either a high-flavanol (375 mg) or low-flavanol cocoa drink over two 30-day periods. Results showed that high-flavanol intake led to a 47% improvement in blood vessel dilation and a 2.2 times increase in angiogenic cells, suggesting improved vascular health. Systolic blood pressure also decreased, while glucose levels remained unaffected. These findings support the potential of cocoa flavanols as a complement to traditional treatments for heart disease.
Stem cells: What They Are and What They Do
This article from the Mayo Clinic provides an essential overview of stem cells, highlighting their role as the body's foundational building blocks. Stem cells hold significant promise in regenerative medicine due to their unique ability to differentiate into specialized cells—such as blood, heart, and nerve cells. The article explores the potential applications of stem cells in treating various diseases, including spinal injuries, Parkinson's, and heart disease, as well as the challenges and ethical concerns associated with their use. Various stem cell types, such as embryonic, adult, and reprogrammed cells, are examined for their therapeutic benefits and limitations. Additionally, it discusses how researchers aim to harness stem cells for drug testing and therapeutic cloning, underscoring both the medical potential and ongoing research hurdles in translating these therapies to human medicine.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
Cacao Stem Cells: Boost Your Healing With Chocolate Power
This article from Total Stem Cell explores the promising role of cacao in stem cell wellness and tissue regeneration, spotlighting its bioactive compounds that may support cellular health and pain management. Starting with cacao's nutritional profile and historical significance, the article delves into its powerful antioxidants, which guard cells against oxidative stress associated with aging and degenerative diseases. It highlights cacao’s polyphenols, such as epicatechin, which have been shown to enhance angiogenesis and potentially stimulate stem cell production, aiding tissue repair. Cacao’s flavonoids, like quercetin and catechins, further contribute to pain relief through anti-inflammatory effects and nitric oxide production, improving blood flow. For those seeking non-surgical pain management, cacao may promote endorphin production and sleep quality, supporting both emotional and physical well-being. With practical tips for incorporating cacao into one’s diet, the article encourages readers to harness this superfood’s potential for holistic health and recovery.
Download: Cacao Stem Cells_ Boost Your Healing with Chocolate Power - Total Stem Cell.pdf
Restoring Aged Stem Cell Functionality: Current Progress And Future Directions
This review explores the growing research on interventions that aim to counteract age-related stem cell dysfunction, a significant contributor to the decline in physical and cognitive abilities in humans and mammals. Stem cells’ capacity for differentiation and self-renewal diminishes with age, leading to widespread aging phenotypes. Focusing on diet, treatments, and small molecule interventions, the study examines methods that show functional improvements in various aged stem cells, including hematopoietic, mesenchymal, neural, and muscle stem cells. It discusses the potential of these interventions to rejuvenate aging tissues, thereby improving overall health and delaying negative aging effects. Many of these techniques are in preclinical and clinical stages, with a promising outlook for human application. The review also highlights the need for further analysis on the benefits and limitations of these methods across diverse stem cell types before widespread clinical use.
Improvement of Endothelial Function With Dietary Flavanols Is Associated With Mobilization of Circulating Angiogenic Cells in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
This study investigates the relationship between flavanol consumption and improved vascular health in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Conducted by a team of cardiovascular and nutrition researchers from institutions such as the University of California and Heinrich Heine University, the study examines how dietary intake of flavanol-rich cocoa affects endothelial function, a key factor in cardiovascular health. Flavanols, bioactive compounds found in foods like cocoa and tea, have been previously noted for their cardiovascular benefits, particularly their ability to enhance vascular repair and reduce blood pressure. Here, researchers utilized a randomized, controlled trial to analyze the effects of a 30-day flavanol-rich cocoa regimen on both endothelial function and circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), cells involved in vascular repair. The study's findings suggest that regular flavanol intake can indeed improve endothelial function and mobilize CACs, offering potential therapeutic implications for CAD management.