The impact of a superfood chocolate beverage on indices of peripheral vascular function.

Abstract

Elevated blood lipids and reduced vascular health contribute to cardiovascular disease. Diets and/or interventions high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory properties mitigate this risk. This study hypothesized that daily consumption of a beverage high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory properties would improve vascular function, blood lipids, and arterial blood pressure. Vascular function was assessed as brachial artery flow mediated vasodilation (%FMD) and following 5 min of ischemia. Brachial artery blood pressure was assessed, and blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Measures were assessed in 15 individuals free from cardiovascular or other diseases (5 male; age: 33 ± 12 years) before (Pre) and 2 weeks following (Post) consumption of the Goode Health Superfood Moroccan Chocolate Blend (~28 g of powder added to 8 oz water twice daily). This beverage is rich in plant-based proteins, prebiotic fiber, antioxidant polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory properties. %FMD was augmented following 2 weeks of beverage consumption (Pre: 4.7 ± 2.1 vs. Post: 5.8 ± 2.2%, p = 0.04). Mean blood pressure (Pre: 89 ± 5 vs. Post: 86 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.01) and total cholesterol (Pre: 174 ± 26 vs. Post: 159 ± 25 mg/dL, p = 0.04) were lower following 2 weeks of beverage consumption. These data indicate a positive effect of the Goode Health beverage on indices of vascular endothelial function, blood lipids, and arterial blood pressure.