Cocoa extract may slow aging process by reducing chronic inflammation, major study finds

• Cocoa extract significantly reduced a key marker of chronic inflammation in older adults.
• A major two-year clinical trial studied nearly 600 participants.
• The benefits were most pronounced in individuals with the highest baseline inflammation.
• The supplement provided a concentrated dose of flavanols without the sugar and fat of chocolate.
• This research offers a promising natural intervention for age-related inflammation.

Could a natural compound help douse the slow-burning fires of chronic inflammation linked to aging and disease? A major new clinical trial suggests that a concentrated supplement derived from the cocoa bean might do exactly that, offering a glimmer of hope for those seeking natural health solutions.

A rigorous two-year U.S. study of nearly 600 older adults has found that a daily dose of cocoa extract significantly reduced a key marker of chronic inflammation. This research provides some of the strongest evidence yet that plant-based compounds can directly counter the process of “inflammaging,” the gradual rise in inflammation associated with heart disease, frailty and numerous other age-related conditions.

The study was an ancillary project within the larger COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a massive trial involving over 21,000 participants. For this investigation, researchers focused on 598 generally healthy men and women in their 70s. Half the group took daily capsules containing 500 mg of cocoa flavanols, while the other half received an identical-looking placebo.

Blood samples collected over the two-year period revealed a clear and compelling difference between the two groups. Participants taking the cocoa extract consistently showed lower levels of inflammation compared to those on the placebo.

A closer look at the results

Doctors frequently measure a protein in the blood called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to assess hidden inflammation. Elevated levels of this marker indicate a higher strain within the body and an increased risk for cardiovascular problems.

In the placebo group, hsCRP levels did what they typically do with age: they slowly climbed. In contrast, the group taking cocoa extract saw their levels decrease. Compared with placebo, supplementation led to an 8.4 percent yearly reduction in this critical marker.

The benefits were not uniform across all participants. They were most pronounced in those who started the study with higher levels of baseline inflammation. For individuals with hsCRP levels of 10 mg/L or higher—indicating very high cardiovascular risk—the annual reduction compared to placebo was nearly 38 percent.

Why targeting inflammation matters

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection and injury. In acute, short-term bursts, it is protective and necessary. However, as people age, inflammation often remains activated at a low level, even in the absence of any immediate threat.

This persistent state, known as inflammaging, acts like a constant internal stressor. Over time, it damages blood vessels, tissues, and organs, making individuals more vulnerable to heart disease, cognitive decline, and frailty. By moderating the rise of inflammation, cocoa extract could potentially help the body age in a more resilient manner.

Not your average chocolate bar

It is crucial to understand that these findings are not a green light to consume unlimited chocolate. The supplement used in the study delivered a steady, concentrated dose of flavanols without the added sugar, fat, and calories found in commercial chocolate products.

Most candy bars are processed in ways that strip out many of these beneficial compounds. The capsules used in the COSMOS trial delivered a consistent 500 mg dose of cocoa flavanols daily, a level that is virtually impossible to achieve through dietary chocolate consumption alone.

The study also noted a change in another immune signal. Levels of interferon-gamma, an immune-mediating cytokine, increased by 6.8 percent per year in the cocoa group compared to placebo. The clinical meaning of this increase, however, remains uncertain.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of plant-based foods and their bioactive compounds. “This study calls for more attention to the advantage of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, including cocoa products rich in flavanols,” said corresponding author Dr. Howard Sesso. “It reinforces the importance of a diverse, colorful, plant-based diet.”

For now, this study offers a promising look at a natural intervention. While cocoa extract is not a miracle cure, it may represent one more tool for supporting health as we age, alongside the foundational principles of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Sources for this article include:

StudyFinds.org

MassGeneralBrigham.org

NYPost.com