Antioxidant is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes and other parts of cells. Antioxidants are a natural “off switch” for free radicals—and it’s important to get an adequate supply of them since free radicals are so pervasive (our body generates them in response to environmental triggers like smoke, UV rays and pollution, but they are also a by-product of natural processes in cells). Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene are well-known antioxidants, and are important nutrients that work in the body to stop some of the damaging effects of free radicals.

Since it’s important to get antioxidants, you may be wondering if cocoa flavanols—with all their well-known benefits—are packed with them … or not? 

Key Takeaways:

• Cocoa flavanols are not antioxidants
• Cocoa flavanols do help increase the body’s natural pool of nitric oxide, a molecule critical to cardiovascular health. The consumption of certain foods and bioactives like cocoa flavanols have been shown to increase NO levels in the body.
• You can get cocoa flavanols from various food sources and products, but the amount and health benefits vary greatly depending on how they were processed, how you prepare them and how much you eat or drink (and not all sources are actually healthy to consume on a daily basis)!
• Endorsements from respected third parties can help narrow your options to the highest-quality products.
• CocoaVia™ daily cocoa extract supplements are a proven and convenient way to help you maintain and support a healthy brain and heart by promoting healthy blood flow

Here again, myth busted. No antioxidants in cocoa powder, no antioxidants in chocolate. So if they aren’t antioxidants, how do cocoa flavanols work?

Here’s the takeaway from the research: cocoa flavanols should be part of your daily routine because they do work to increase your body’s natural pool of nitric oxide—a small but powerful molecule critical to the health of your blood vessels.

Nitric oxide isn’t as commonly known as an antioxidant, but it’s worth a closer look thanks to the vital role it plays in helping our bodies perform at their very best. In fact, nitric oxide is so important that it’s actually prize-winning. No really—keep reading to find out why!

The discovery of the cardiovascular impact of nitric oxide, a small but powerful molecule critical to the health of your blood vessels, was so groundbreaking that  researchers won the 1998 Nobel Prize for discovering it! By supporting the body’s pool of nitric oxide, cocoa flavanols help support healthy blood vessel function. Healthier blood vessels promote healthier blood flow. And healthy blood flow is a critical part of the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

But the benefits of cocoa flavanols and nitric oxide don’t stop there. There’s solid scientific evidence that, in addition to cardiovascular benefits, they can also improve cognitive (brain) function. That’s because nitric oxide promotes healthier blood vessels, supporting the cardiovascular system so it can deliver essential oxygen and nutrients to every organ, muscle and tissue throughout your body—including your brain—keeping all parts of you nourished and performing at their best.

There are supplements on the market that may increase nitric oxide in your body, but it’s key to have the 411 before you buy: it’s important to understand how the type of supplement you’re buying increases nitric oxide (for example, with cocoa flavanols), how the supplement is measured, and how much you’ll need to consume to get any health benefits.

Some products made with cocoa might claim “health benefits” … but can’t back the claim by guaranteeing the number of cocoa flavanols in their products. The truth is everything  from how a cocoa bean is handled during harvest to how cocoa flavanols are measured is critically important, but can vary wildly by product. Knowing the specifics of your supplements pays in (health) dividends.

According to ConsumerLab, CocoaVia™ is the Top Rated Flavanol Product for the highest flavanol level and overall quality. So whether you choose cocoa flavanol capsules or drink mix, you can be confident you’re getting high-quality cocoa flavanols that will help your body perform its best!