Can chocolate reduce wrinkles?

by Stepy — May 26, 2018

Dark chocolate is quickly becoming a superfood. Organic extra dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) is packed with nutrition. There are so many reasons to eat dark chocolate.

It is important to eat the right kind of chocolate, as some are loaded with sugar or artificial ingredients. Dutched chocolate should be avoided, as it is treated with an alkalizing agent to modify its color. This gives it a milder taste, but destroys most of its healthy polyphenols.

Chocolate has shown the potential to fight Alzheimer’s, reduce blood pressure, and even protect from heart disease. Can chocolate reduce wrinkles? A new study says yes.

Chocolate is very high in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. These antioxidants are known for their ability to kill disease causing free radicals, and provide anti-aging benefits.

Our skin sustains damage daily from sunlight, ultraviolet rays, exposure to elements, and more. Antioxidants are believed to protect against this damage.

As written in the study abstract:

“We performed a 24-wk, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of cocoa flavanols on cutaneous photo-aging. All participants were moderately photo-aged Korean women with visible facial wrinkles (age range: 43–86 y). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo beverage or cocoa beverage that contained 320 mg total cocoa flavanols/d. We measured wrinkles, skin elasticity, and hydration at baseline and at 12 and 24 wk. The primary endpoint was the mean percentage change in the average roughness value (Rz) at 24 wk.”

After the 24 week study, women treated with chocolate showed reduced wrinkles in the crows feet area, and more skin elasticity.

The study authors concluded:

“In moderately photo-aged women, regular cocoa flavanol consumption had positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Cocoa flavanol supplementation may contribute to the prevention of the progression of photo-aging.”

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition.

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REFERENCES:
1. “Can We Reduce Wrinkles With Cocoa?” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
2. “Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Journal of Nutrition. Journal of Nutrition, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.