A new large-scale study has revealed that a cheap supplement could significantly reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.
We break down the key findings from the research.
27 % lower risk of death from heart disease
In a study involving over 21,000 participants aged 60+, those who took a daily cocoa extract supplement were 27 % less likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those who didn’t.
The secret lies in reducing inflammation
Researchers found that the supplement lowered levels of hsCRP, an inflammatory biomarker closely tied to heart disease risk.
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This suggests that cocoa extract could protect the heart by dampening chronic inflammation.
Fighting “inflammageing” with cocoa
The study focused on "inflammageing" which is the slow, age-related inflammation that contributes to conditions like heart disease.
Cocoa extract appears to help combat this process, offering a powerful anti-ageing effect.
It's cheap
Despite its impressive effects, the supplement is surprisingly affordable, costing only around 20p per day.
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That makes it one of the cheapest heart health interventions on the market.
Backed by a major clinical trial
The findings come from the COSMOS study, conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham.
It followed 21,442 people, making it one of the largest studies on cocoa supplements and ageing to date.
Five inflammation markers were tested
Researchers tracked five key biomarkers: three pro-inflammatory proteins, one anti-inflammatory protein (IL-10), and one that regulates the immune response.
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These were measured at the start, one year in, and again after two years.
hsCRP showed the biggest drop
Among the five biomarkers, only hsCRP decreased significantly by 8.4% each year.
This drop is thought to play a major role in the reduced heart disease mortality seen in cocoa supplement users.
Lifestyle still matters
Experts stress that cocoa extract is not a magic bullet.
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A healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet and regular exercise, remains essential for long-term cardiovascular health.
You can find flavanols in other foods too
In addition to cocoa, flavanols are also found in foods like berries, grapes, and tea.
Incorporating a variety of flavanol-rich foods can further support heart health as you age.
Will chocolate give you the same effect?
Although cocoa is the key ingredient, regular chocolate doesn’t contain enough flavanols which is the compounds responsible for the benefits.
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Most processed chocolate lacks the potency needed for heart protection.
This article is based on information from The Sun.