Tribe in Panama benefits from daily use of cocoa

Monday, February 19, 2007  

Members of the Cuna Tribe of Panama don't have high blood pressure and don't suffer dementia due to their daily use of cocoa, researchers say.

The cocoa they drink contains a high level of flavanols, an antioxidant. Researchers say the flavanols increase the flow of blood to the brain and help maintain cardiovascular health.

Most cocoa on the market, however, contains a low level of flavanols. Researchers say tribal members who leave their traditional islands and adopt a modern diet start to show an increase in high blood pressure.

Get the Story:
Some Cocoa May Improve Brain Blood Flow (AP 2/18)
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