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.
- Flavonoids
Source: How Not to Age
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
