ACTICOA™ helps maintain healthy blood pressure

Barry Callebaut AG, Zürich, presented the results of new research into ACTICOA™ chocolate at Health Ingredients Europe (HIE) 2008 show in Paris. The study, conducted by the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, demonstrates that ACTICOA™ dark chocolate contributes to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. This confirms earlier studies done. Daily consumption of 17g ACTICOA™ dark chocolate (which contains 500mg of cocoa flavanols) for 2 weeks helps maintain healthy blood pressure.


Two test groups consumed a small portion of dark ACTICOA™ chocolate every day for two weeks. For the first group, the portion of ACTICOA™ chocolate contained 500 mg cocoa flavanols, for the second, 1000 mg cocoa flavanols. After two weeks, both groups, independent of the dose, displayed significantly reduced blood pressure. A reduction of 7 points was observed in systolic and 5 points in diastolic blood pressure: expressed as a reduction of 7/5mm of mercury. This reduction has a proven, beneficial effect on our health as a reduction in blood pressure of 7/5 mmHg reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is underwritten by cardiologists the world over. 2


ACTICOA™ cocoa and chocolate are rich in antioxidants and have a scientifically proven beneficial effect on human health. ACTICOA™ keeps our natural resistance to oxidative stress intact, maintains a healthy heart and is good for a healthy blood pressure and blood circulation. ACTICOA™ products protect brain function and give us a general, healthy glow.


Hans Vriens, Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut: “ACTICOA™ chocolate is the only chocolate in the world that contains so many cocoa flavanols. The unique production process of ACTICOA™ preserves the very best from the cocoa bean. Dark ACTICOA™ chocolate, for instance, contains three times as many antioxidants (cocoa flavanols) as standard dark chocolate. A small portion of 17g ACTICOA™ chocolate contains all the flavanols you need to maintain a healthy blood pressure. ACTICOA™ lets you look after your health in the most delicious way possible.”