Cocoa Flavanol Science

Flavanols in cocoa drinks can boost brain power, scientists have revealed. Pic: GettyImages

Research

Drinking cocoa can make you smarter, say scientists

By Anthony Myers

New study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first to recognize the cognitive effects of flavanols in young, healthy participants and the link with brain activity.

Pic: Getty Images/Bloomberg

Sustainability

100% Traceable: Olam’s tech links producers and farmers through data

By Kristine Sherred

The cocoa and spice supplier unveiled sustainability goals in 2017 with a 2020 goal of nurturing a ‘fully traceable’ cocoa supply chain. We discussed progress with Olam's North American innovation lead, when we caught up with him at IFT.

Large-scale study to assess whether cocoa flavanol supplements benefit heart health. Photo Credit: Happy Days Photos and Art

Mars gears up for large-scale cocoa flavanol pill study

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Chocolate giant Mars and the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute are readying themselves for a five-year research project into possible heart-health benefits of taking a daily flavanol-rich capsule.