Chocolate May Aid Workout Performance, Study Suggests

Good news for chocolate lovers: scientists are investigating the food's effect on the body's response to physical exercise, according to The New York Times .

Scientists at the University of California tested the potential of epicatechin, a flavonoid found in cocoa, on rats. Divided into groups, the animals ingested doses of the substance twice a day.

One group underwent an exercise routine that consisted of treadmill walking for a short period daily. After 15 days, all animals performed a treadmill test, running until exhaustion.

The group that drank only water tired more quickly than the group that received epicatechin. The fittest, however, were those who combined the substance with exercise, covering a distance 50% greater than the other groups.

Francisco Villarreal, one of the professors involved in the study, stated that “it is likely that muscle cells contain specific receptors for epicatechin”.

However, scientists warn that processed cocoa loses a significant portion of its flavonoids. For those seeking this effect, the recommendation is to prioritize the bitter (dark) version, which concentrates a higher amount of epicatechin. They also affirm that a small square of the bar is sufficient to elicit this reaction, which has not yet been tested in humans.

Recent studies also indicate that individuals who moderately consume dark chocolate are less prone to developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes (CVA).

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