‘Chocolate pills’ could help middleaged adults enjoy exercise more, according to a new study. Cocoa flavanols are a bioactive compound in cocoa powder and dark chocolate, which help to increase blood flow, which means they can prevent blood clots and even combat memory decline.
The study looked at their effects in a group of ‘sedentary’ adults aged 40-60. In a lab test on exercise bikes, cocoa flavanol supplements were shown to improve VO2 kinetics time – how long it takes the body to start increasing oxygen uptake when you begin a workout.