Research Highlights

Cocoa Improves Cardiovascular Function
The Hershey Company, Hershey, PA, has announced preliminary results of a Yale University study confirming the cardiovascular health benefits of hot cocoa consumption. Conducted by the Yale Prevention Research Center, the study showed that drinking either sweetened or sugar-free hot cocoa made with Hershey’s Natural Cocoa powder can result in measurable improvements in arterial function.
In the study, 45 participants consumed a hot beverage containing either sugar-sweetened cocoa, sugar-free cocoa or a placebo without cocoa. Hershey’s Natural Cocoa, whose flavanol antioxidant levels are not reduced by the alkali process common to most commercially available hot cocoa mixes, was used. The study was a continuation of ongoing research into the health benefits of dark chocolate consumption.
Ultrasound technology and other procedures were used to assess the direct effects of the hot beverage consumption on arterial function and blood flow. Both the regular hot cocoa and sugar-free hot cocoa resulted in improved blood flow within two hours of consump