Cocoa Flavanols: side effects, uses and more
Cocoa flavanols are a specific class of compounds within the much larger family of polyphenolic compounds known as flavonoids. They can be found in various plant-based foods and drinks, such as cocoa, chocolate, tea, red wine, fruits, cereals, beans, spices, and nuts.
Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals, including flavonoid antioxidants. It’s not clear how they might work in the body, but they appear to relax blood vessels. This could help in lowering blood pressure as well as reducing inflammation and blockage of blood vessels.
The amount of cocoa flavanols present in cocoa and chocolate varies depending on the type of cocoa and the processing methods used. And the cocoa flavanols side effects will also depend on this.
Effectiveness and uses
The uses and effectiveness of cocoa are various, but we highlight:
Heart disease: Eating cocoa reduces the risk of heart disease and death. Just as you read it! Cocoa may have this effect by lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function.
Hypertension: Consuming dark chocolate or cocoa products for 2 to 8 weeks can lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. These effects are observable when the cocoa is pureed, without added sugar. You can integrate it into desserts if you don’t like the bitter taste, as a way to counteract it.
However, although some point it out, the truth is that cocoa consumption is not as effective for:
High cholesterol: Consuming cocoa has not been shown to improve cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
Stretch marks: Although it is a common remedy passed down from generation to generation, applying a cream with cocoa butter during pregnancy does not appear to prevent stretch marks.
There is still interest in using cocoa for other purposes, but there is no reliable information to affirm or deny.
Cocoa flavanols side effects
The use of cocoa flavanols can have some side effects on people. The appearance of these effects will depend on the sensitivity, diseases and previous conditions of the people. But, if you want to speak in general terms, you can mention:
When taken orally: Cocoa consumption is safe for most people. However, it is important to remember that cocoa has caffeine and related chemicals. It also contains heavy metals such as lead. That is why its consumption in large quantities can cause side effects related to caffeine: nervousness, increased urination, insomnia and tachycardia.
Allergic reactions and migraines: In people sensitive to cocoa compounds, allergic skin reactions, as well as migraines, may occur. Its consumption can also cause nausea, upset stomach, constipation and gas.
Application to the skin: Applying cocoa butter to the skin is safe for most people. But, in cases of people with sensitivity to cocoa, it can cause a rash in some people.
Precautions and warnings
If you are already determined to consume cocoa flavanols, you should take into account the following considerations:
- As it contains caffeine and related chemical substances, as well as heavy metals such as lead, it can be related to increased urination, insomnia and tachycardia, as well as a state of nervousness.
- It can also cause migraines and allergic skin reactions.
- Some people may experience constipation, gas, nausea, and an upset stomach.
- There are those who have experienced a rash as a direct allergic reaction on the skin.
It is recommended that its consumption be supervised by a doctor or nutritionist who knows your medical history. This will give you the certainty of taking the appropriate dose to access the benefits.
Are you ready to introduce cocoa flavonoids into your diet?