Chocolate


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Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant
Cocoa can be a rich source of flavonoids. These compounds may protect the body from the damaging effects of chemicals known as free radicals. More high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Anti-platelet effects (blood thinning)
While some studies have suggested that flavonoids in cocoa may have blood-thinning effects, more research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Cardiovascular health
Some research suggests that a diet high in flavonoids may help protect against heart disease. However, more high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Constipation
The fiber found in cocoa husk may be a valuable source of dietary fiber. Preliminary evidence suggests that cocoa husk fiber may be helpful in treating constipation in children. More studies are needed in this area. 		C
Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
Several studies suggest that eating cocoa butter or chocolate may lower cholesterol. More research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Some, but not all, studies have suggested that chocolate may lower blood pressure. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Insect repellant
Preliminary studies have suggested that cocoa oil may be an effective insect repellant. However, additional studies are needed in this area. 		C
Skin conditions
Studies in human have suggested that flavonols, which are found in chocolate, may protect against sun damage. Additional study is required before any conclusions can be made. 		C
Wound healing
Cocoa butter may help moisturize skin, prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, and help heal burn scars. However, more research is needed before further conclusions may be made regarding uses of cocoa butter for these conditions. 		C

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acne, alopecia (hair loss), Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic (inhibits mutations, or changes, in DNA), antiseptic, aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire), asthma, bronchitis, cancer, childbirth (labor induction), cognitive function, cough, dementia, dental caries (cavities), diabetes, diarrhea, diuretic (increases urine flow), eating disorders, elevation of energy, emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant), exercise capacity, exercise recovery, expectorant (encourages coughing up of mucus), eye problems, fatigue, fever, food flavoring, food uses, fragrance, immunomodulator (affects the immune system), inflammation, kidney and bladder disorders, lactose intolerance, liver conditions, malaria, migraine, mood enhancement, nephrosis (kidney disease), neurodegenerative diseases (nervous tissue disease), osteoporosis prevention, pain, parasiticide (parasite-killing substance), Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, relaxation/stress/anxiety, rheumatism, sensory stimulation, snakebite, stimulant, stroke, tonic.

Dosing Related terms
NS_patient-chocolate Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 1, 2012

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)

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