Originally published January 8 2006
Cocoa processor presents new evidence for chocolate's health claims
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading cocoa processor, is finishing an analysis focused on human cognition that demonstrates the anti-aging benefits of polyphenols found in cocoa.
Dirk Poelman, chief operations officer and former head of R&D, told those attending a seminar at the ingredients show FiE in Paris that the firm is currently completing the analysis of results from a human study on cognition.
It follows positive findings in animal tests and is thought to be one of the first human studies looking at cocoa polyphenols' action on the brain.
The trial is the latest in a series of studies by Callebaut, first on rats and then on human cells in vitro, to verify the benefits previously seen in a range of different polyphenols.
Since 2000, more than 30 studies have found these plant compounds to have positive results for the cardiovascular system, and a further 10 have demonstrated anti-cancer activity or benefits to the immune system, says Poelman.
In a longer study on rats, those animals given polyphenols did not develop prostate cancer when injected with cancerous cells, compared with a control group that did.
When tested in human cells, the polyphenols had a rapid effect on cancer cells but did not harm healthy ones.
If the new trial on 34 human subjects confirms these benefits on the brain, Callebaut will have strong support for its Acticoa, a premium-priced chocolate with higher levels of polyphenols developed as part of the R&D focus on health.
Many confectioners are simply adding polyphenol-rich claims to their labels but confectionery giant Mars has invested significantly to increase the polyphenol levels in new products.
It says that the first products produced by the Acticoa technology - available in Germany since April under the Sarotti brand and in Belgium under the Jacques brand - are selling well.
This week it is hoping to attract major industrial clients looking for ways of attracting health-conscious consumers.
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