Cocoa extract may slow ageing and boost heart health, says new study

The humble cocoa bean may do more than lift your mood. A large-scale trial shows cocoa extract could reduce inflammation linked to ageing and improve heart health. (Image: Pexels)

In a time when many seek the secret to healthy ageing in pills or costly skincare, researchers may have unearthed a surprisingly familiar friend: cocoa. That’s right, the very bean behind your favourite chocolate bar might just be doing more than sweetening your mood. A new study by Mass General Brigham sheds light on how cocoa supplements could help our hearts and bodies age more gracefully.

Cocoa extract and  inflammation 

A major clinical trial has found that daily cocoa extract supplements could play a role in curbing the kind of chronic inflammation that creeps in with age, often called “inflammaging.” Researchers from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that cocoa extract lowered levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammatory marker linked to cardiovascular disease. The study, published in Age and Ageing, suggests that these reductions could explain earlier findings that cocoa helps lower heart-related deaths by nearly 27%.

Also Read: How older adults can strengthen immunity with the right nutrition

Between 2014 and 2020, over 21,000 people aged 60 and up took part in the COSMOS trial. This latest analysis focused on the bloodwork of 598 of them, who were followed over two years. Notably, those taking cocoa supplements saw their hsCRP levels drop by around 8.4% each year, compared to those on a placebo. While other inflammatory markers showed smaller or inconsistent shifts, one immune-related protein, interferon-γ, increased, something researchers say could spark fresh lines of enquiry.

Healthier ageing

Experts believe that the benefits stem from flavanols, naturally occurring plant compounds found in cocoa beans, tea, berries, and grapes. These tiny bioactive agents have been linked in previous studies to lower inflammation and improved vascular function. Now, with large-scale human data to back it, scientists are more optimistic about their potential to delay age-related diseases. Dr Howard Sesso, a senior figure in the study, says the connection between ageing, inflammation, and heart disease is becoming clearer: “Our interest in cocoa started with its links to heart health. Now, we're seeing that it might be acting through age-related inflammation.”

5 things to know about cocoa and healthy ageing

• It’s not just chocolate: The benefits come from cocoa extract, not your standard sweet treat.
• Key ingredient is flavanols: These plant compounds help fight inflammation.
• Heart health link: Cocoa lowered a major heart disease marker — hsCRP — over time.
• Large-scale evidence: COSMOS trial followed over 21,000 participants.
• More research ahead: Scientists want to understand how cocoa affects other ageing markers.

Also Read: Healthy Ageing Month: Early symptoms of cognitive decline seniors shouldn’t ignore

Plant power: 

While no one’s suggesting you ditch your fruits and veg for a chocolate bar, this study does highlight the potential of plant-based compounds, like flavanols, in supporting long-term health. "It reinforces the importance of a colourful, plant-rich diet," said Dr Sesso. And while cocoa extract isn’t a magic bullet, it may be a powerful ally in the growing field of nutrition-driven healthy ageing. Researchers plan to continue tracking COSMOS participants to see if cocoa, alongside multivitamins, might help with broader aspects of ageing, beyond just heart health.

FAQs on Cocoa Extract and Slow Ageing

1. What is cocoa extract?
Cocoa extract is a concentrated form of the beneficial compounds found in cocoa beans, particularly flavanols.

2. How does cocoa extract help with slow ageing?
Cocoa extract contains flavanols, which have been shown to lower inflammation and improve vascular function, potentially delaying age-related diseases.

3. Can cocoa extract replace other anti-ageing supplements?
While cocoa extract shows promise, it should be viewed as a complement to other healthy habits and supplements rather than a replacement.

4. How much cocoa extract is recommended for slow ageing benefits?
Specific recommendations can vary, so it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to individual needs.

5. Does eating chocolate provide the same benefits as cocoa extract?
The benefits come from cocoa extract, not from typical chocolate products, which often contain added sugars and fats.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.