Cocoa Honey

Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa powder help prevent artery-clogging plaque formation by decreasing levels of molecules that cause white blood cells to stick to artery walls, according to Harvard Health Publications. A study published in the November 2009 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found that supplementation with 40 grams of cocoa powder per day for four weeks reduced inflammation and inhibited platelets from sticking together and contributing to atherosclerosis.

Cocoa contains a variety of healthy fats, including as much as 35 percent oleic acid. This is the same fatty acid found in olive oil that may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the good form of cholesterol. A study published in the August 2011 issue of the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found cocoa products and dark chocolate significantly decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad form of cholesterol, in participants who consumed cocoa for two to 12 weeks.

Anti-Cancer

Epicatechins in cocoa may help prevent pancreatic cancer, according to a study published in the October 2012 issue of the “International Journal of Cancer.” In the tissue-culture study, cocoa epicatechins slowed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. In a laboratory animal arm of the study, doses of 25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight inhibited tumor growth. Researchers of a study published in the December 2011 issue of the journal “Molecular Nutrition and Food Research” observed a protective effect of cocoa against colon cancer. In the laboratory animal study, a coca-rich diet helped prevent colon cancer by decreasing oxidative stress and promoting early death of cancer cells.