Regular doses of cocoa and vitamin C may help elderly people maintain their strength, researchers are hoping.
A new UK study is to use detailed analysis to see if the two substances can improve blood flow.
Researchers at Nottingham University believe that improving blood flow might improve muscle strength in elderly people – by ensuring that nutrients get circulated throughout the body.
They are now seeking male volunteers between 18 and 28 or over the age of 65 to take part in the research.
Researcher Beth Philips has received some £270,000 from the Dunhill Medical Trust.
She said: "There is a well-established correlation between premature mortality and muscle mass loss in the elderly. We have shown that as we age the blood flow to our legs in response to feeding is impaired.
"This means that fewer nutrients and oxygen are able to reach our muscles which may contribute to muscle wasting and ultimately frailty. We want to know if cocoa and vitamin C can help slow down this deterioration."
Meanwhile a study in a chemistry journal claims there are more beneficial chemicals in cocoa than in fruit, pound for pound.
Both dark chocolate and cocoa were found to have "greater antioxidant capacity" and greater levels of two chemicals, flavanol and polyphenol, than fruit juice. Hot chocolate contained hardly any, according to the report in Chemistry Central Journal.
Researcher Dr Debra Miller, who was funded by chocolate company Hershey, said: "Cacao seeds are a ‘Super Fruit’ providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition."
Chemistry Central Journal February 2011
Leave a Reply