Study Shows Photoprotective Effect of Flavanol Rich Chocolate

While eating chocolate in no way replaces the need for sun screen or other forms of protection, this recent independent study shows that eating Barry Callebaut’s ACTICOA chocolate, rich in natural cocoa flavanols can play an important role in helping to maintain a healthy skin.

18 Sep 2009 --- An independent study conducted by the London University of the Arts has revealed that eating chocolate rich in flavanols can significantly help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The study demonstrated that regular consumption of specially produced chocolate with preserved high cocoa flavanol levels can more than halve the sensitivity of the skin to UV light. These striking results are unprecedented and pave the way for new possibilities in nutritional protection against damage caused by the sun. It is estimated that 90% of all visible skin ageing is directly related to sun exposure.

The double-blind, randomized, in vivo study involved the daily consumption of 20g doses of chocolate by two random groups of each 15 healthy adult males and females. One group was given Barry Callebaut ACTICOA dark chocolate, the other was given the same dose of chocolate made according to the same recipe but using conventional production methods. In the ACTICOA group, the mean minimum erythema dose – or minimum dose of UV to cause reddening of the skin – more than doubled while no significant increase was observed in the conventional chocolate group. The authors of the study state that the photoprotective effect of ACTICOA is most likely to be caused by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the cocoa flavanols found in vastly greater concentrations in ACTICOA chocolate.

“Chronic UV exposure is the main cause of premature skin aging and also plays an important role in cutaneous carcinogenesis. Our study demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, that regular consumption of chocolate rich in flavanols confers substantial photoprotection and can thus be effective at protecting human skin from harmful UV effects. Conventional chocolate had no such effect.” – Dr. Stefanie Williams, Dermatologist, Cosmetic Science Group, London University of the Arts and private Dermatology Clinic “European Dermatology London”.³  

While eating chocolate in no way replaces the need for sun screen or other forms of protection, this recent independent study shows that eating Barry Callebaut’s ACTICOA chocolate, rich in natural cocoa flavanols can play an important role in helping to maintain a healthy skin. Previous studies have linked the regular consumption of cocoa flavanols to a whole host of beneficial effects from maintaining cardiovascular health to improved brain function or anti-ageing in general. However, this latest study is the first to demonstrate a link between chocolate and natural protection from UV radiation.

“Numerous media reports have created the false impression that all dark chocolate products confer the same health-enhancing benefits even though many contain low amounts of flavanols,” said Barry Callebaut’s Chief Innovation Officer Hans Vriens. “Fact is that the flavanols found in fresh cocoa beans are partially destroyed in the production of conventional chocolate. Barry Callebaut’s ACTICOA process guarantees a minimum concentration of cocoa flavanols in the finished product. ACTICOA cocoa and chocolate therefore offer the very best in natural protection, helping to restore the balance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body. At present, around 30 products containing ACTICOA cocoa or chocolate are sold in more than 10 countries around the world.”

UK based chocolate company Prestat is introducing a range of chocolates with a high antioxidant content containing cocoa made using Barry Callebaut’s Acticoa process called Choxi+ 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar. The new packaging and the new dark chocolate recipe are being launched on October 12, in time for National Chocolate Week (October 12-18) when it will be promoted as a “positive indulgence” due to its healthy antioxidant levels in addition to its delicious taste. “Prestat’s decision to use Barry Callebaut’s Acticoa process was based upon the fact that it is the only method which produces such a high concentration of anti-oxidants. It is a unique and patented process,” commented company spokesperson Amelia Braddell.

Just two squares of this Naturally Rich in Antioxidants Cacao Bar contain all the antioxidants your body needs for a whole day – about the same as two bowls of blueberries or 1lb (0.46kg) of Brussels sprouts. 

Prestat – chocolatiers to The Queen – have just taken the wrappers off their fabulous new range of CHOXI+ bars. The dark bars now contain 70% cacao – making them intensely irresistible and confirming CHOXI+ as The Naturally Rich in Antioxidants Cacao Bar. To show off their new recipe, exuberant new packaging incorporating Prestat’s trademark use of bold colors and gold-blocking has been created.

The company notes in its promotion that the South American word “cacao” refers to the tropical trees from which cocoa is produced and celebrates the care and reverence with which the crop is treated. Cacao beans were so prized in South America that they were once a major currency and their medicinal and culinary uses were highlighted in several ancient texts.

Two squares of Dark CHOXI+ contain all the antioxidants your body needs for a whole day – about the same as two bowls of blueberries or 1lb (0.46kg) of Brussels sprouts. 

Although Choxi+ is definitely a food and not a medicine, there is increasing interest within the scientific community concerning antioxidants. Scientific studies have shown how flavanol antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers and stroke. A range of other health benefits are still being researched by leading scientists.

Bill Keeling the MD of Prestat says “CHOXI+ means that chocolate can be thought of in a whole new light – as a nutritional plus and not a minus. CHOXI+ really is a positive indulgence. You should still aim at eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day but, at around 50 calories for the dark chocolate (slightly less than a typical apple), it couldn’t be much easier to fit two squares of CHOXI+ into a balanced diet. ”
Nothing is added to CHOXI+, just more of the cocoa beans’ natural goodness is left in, and because of the revolutionary and extraordinarily gentle processing techniques that are used it tastes absolutely delicious, too.

Availability: Choxi+ Bars are available from the Prestat shop, Harrods, Selfridges, Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores. Choxi+ Bars are available in Milk, Dark, Dark with Oriental Mint, Milk with Aztec Orange and Dark with Stem Ginger.