Flavanol-rich chocolate improves oxidant stress in young soccer players
Author Information
Author(s): Cesar G. Fraga, Lucas Actis-Goretta, Javier I. Ottaviani, Fernando Carrasquedo, Silvina B. Lotito, Sheryl Lazarus, Harold H. Schmitz, Carl L. Keen
Primary Institution: Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hypothesis
Does regular consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate improve cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress in young soccer players?
Conclusion
Regular consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate is associated with improvements in cardiovascular health markers and reductions in oxidative stress.
Supporting Evidence
- FCMC consumption was associated with a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
- Participants showed a reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels after consuming FCMC.
- Malondialdehyde levels decreased by 12% after 14 days of FCMC intake.
- Vitamin E/cholesterol ratios increased by 12% after FCMC consumption.
- Participants maintained their weight during the study period.
Takeaway
Eating chocolate that has a lot of flavanols can help young soccer players stay healthy by lowering their blood pressure and cholesterol.
Methodology
Twenty-eight young male soccer players consumed either flavanol-containing milk chocolate or cocoa butter chocolate for 14 days, with blood samples taken to measure various health markers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the participants being selected from a specific group of athletes.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size of young male soccer players, which may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Young male soccer players aged 18-20 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001 for malondialdehyde reduction after FCMC consumption
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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