Q: Why cocoa extract?

A: Cocoa extract naturally delivers flavanols, a group of plant compounds found in some fruits and vegetables. They are linked to powerful circulatory benefits.

Q: What are the benefits of cocoa flavanols?

A: Cocoa flavanols are a specific group of flavonoids. Research on cocoa has shown the flavanols in cocoa extract help maintain healthy circulation.† Flavanols are a natural way to help renew your body. Over the last two decades, scientists have pinpointed a range of potential circulatory health benefits from cocoa flavanols. Healthy circulation gives your body the oxygen and nutrients where it needs them, when it needs them, to help you feel your best.

Q: Can flavanol content decrease over time?

A: As the product comes in a month’s supply, we recommend that CocoaVia™ is used on a daily basis. Flavanol content in the cocoa extract can decrease over time under extreme circumstances, like high heat; however, CocoaVia™ is formulated and manufactured under strictly controlled conditions to preserve the level of flavanols in the cocoa extract. In typical cupboard conditions, flavanol content is stable within the best buy date printed on the box.

Q: What are procyanidins?

A: Procyanidins are chains of flavanol molecules, known as oligomers, found in cocoa and associated with the health benefits of cocoa.

Q: What is the difference between CocoaVia™ and other cocoa products that claim to contain cocoa flavanols?

A: CocoaVia™ contains a cocoa extract produced with a patented, proprietary process. CocoaVia™ products guarantee a concentrated source of flavanols in every serving. Other commercial cocoas are not produced to preserve flavanols. In fact, many manufacturers remove a large portion of the flavanols as a result of their production processes. Mars, Incorporated, a leader in cocoa research, has conducted numerous studies on cocoa products that preserve the phytonutrient content of cocoa. The cocoa extract in CocoaVia™ is produced by the patented Cocoapro® process that guarantees a concentrated source of cocoa flavanols. At Mars Botanical, we promise to deliver a great tasting; quality product while striving for sustainability. This is our CocoaVia™ Guarantee.

Q: Are flavanols the same as flavonols?

A: No. Flavanols are often confused with another class of flavonoids spelled flavonols (with an o), which have a similar chemical structure but are not found in cocoa. Flavonols are contained in tea, onions, apples and some berries. Flavanols, like those found in our cocoa, have been shown to help maintain healthy circulation.†

Q: What is the difference between flavonoids and flavanols?

A: Flavonoids represent a diverse class of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds that can be found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. Scientists estimate there are 6,000-20,000 individual polyphenol compounds in nature. Flavanols are a distinct group of compounds within the flavonoid family and are the predominant flavonoids in tea, red wine and cocoa.

Q: Are flavanols antioxidants?

A: Flavanols have shown antioxidant activity in test tube research, but these results do not necessarily carry over to humans. Human research has shown that the health benefits of flavanols are due to mechanisms other than antioxidant effects.