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Cocoa Powder

High in flavonoids; 2.5 tablespoons daily of natural cocoa powder increases BDNF and cognitive function

Also known as: natural cocoa powder

Active Compounds

Bioactive compounds found in Cocoa Powder, based on research from longevity science.

Health Benefits

Health conditions and aging processes that Cocoa Powder may influence, based on the source research.

Improves

  • Sarcopenia1 tablespoon/day natural cocoa powder

    1 tablespoon natural unprocessed cocoa/day for 12 weeks improved muscle mass index, grip strength, and all 4 physical function tests; Dutched cocoa did not help

    Source: How Not to Age

  • Skin Aging

    Source: The How Not to Age Cookbook

Protects Against

  • Skin AgingLess than 1 tablespoon/day

    Daily cocoa increased skin blood flow within 2 hours; 12 weeks reduced UV redness by 25% and improved thickness/density/hydration; 24 weeks improved elasticity and decreased wrinkle depth

    Source: How Not to Age

Biological Mechanisms

How Cocoa Powder works at a cellular level.

  • PromotesBoosts BDNF Levels

    High-flavonoid cocoa (~2.5 tbsp natural cocoa powder equivalent) increased BDNF and global cognitive function in older adults

Dosage Recommendations

Specific amounts mentioned in the research literature.

  • about 2.5 tablespoons natural cocoa powder dailyfor Boosts BDNF Levels

    High-flavonoid cocoa (~2.5 tbsp natural cocoa powder equivalent) increased BDNF and global cognitive function in older adults

    Source: How Not to Age

  • 1 tablespoon/day natural cocoa powderfor Sarcopenia

    1 tablespoon natural unprocessed cocoa/day for 12 weeks improved muscle mass index, grip strength, and all 4 physical function tests; Dutched cocoa did not help

    Source: How Not to Age

  • Less than 1 tablespoon/dayfor Skin Aging

    Daily cocoa increased skin blood flow within 2 hours; 12 weeks reduced UV redness by 25% and improved thickness/density/hydration; 24 weeks improved elasticity and decreased wrinkle depth

    Source: How Not to Age

Recipes with Cocoa Powder

Sources

  • How Not to Age
  • The How Not to Age Cookbook