First ever recommendation on flavanols issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

(BPT) – Newly released authoritative guidance recognizes the heart health benefits of flavanolsEarlier this month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the world’s largest organization of nutrition and dietetics practitioners, issued a first-of-its-kind dietary recommendation for flavanols — formally recognizing their heart-health benefits. Flavanols are bioactive compounds found in many plant-based foods and drinks such as cocoa, tea, apples and berries. This bioactive has long been associated with supporting cardiometabolic health.Following an independent, systematic review of 157 randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies, AND found consistent evidence of the safe use and cardiometabolic benefits of flavanols. In the newly released guidance, AND recommends a daily intake of 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols from a variety of foods to support cardiometabolic health. Eating a healthy and varied diet of flavanol-rich foods is the first step to meeting these new guidelines. However, even with a well-balanced diet, reaching the recommended level of flavanols on a daily basis can still be challenging. Flavanol levels vary dramatically in foods, which is why taking a daily flavanol supplement like CocoaVia™ is a simple and convenient way to fill in dietary gaps and reap the many heart health benefits these bioactives provide.CocoaVia™ Cardio Health is an easy-to-use cocoa flavanol supplement, made with the proprietary Cocoapro™ cocoa extract — the most concentrated and clinically-proven flavanol extract ingredient on the market today. CocoaVia™ Cardio Health products are also approved by ConsumerLab.com, the leading provider of independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals identify the best quality health and nutrition products. Among 46 products independently tested by ConsumerLab, CocoaVia™ products had the highest levels of cocoa flavanols. One serving of CocoaVia™ Cardio Health, in either its capsule or powder formats, provides 500 mg of cocoa flavanols — guaranteed. Meeting the new AND recommendation can be as simple as adding two Cardio Health capsules to your morning routine, adding a scoop of Cardio Health powder into a smoothie, or almond or peanut butter spread on whole grain toast, or into your morning coffee.Although AND’s flavanol recommendation is new, it comes as a result of many years of research. “For over two decades, Mars scientists and others have been researching flavanols and their potential health benefits,” said Catherine Kwik-Uribe, VP of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Applied Science & Nutrition at Mars Edge, manufacturers of CocoaVia™. “The AND recommendation is a significant milestone in this emerging area of nutrition, and it will provide greater interest and awareness of flavanols — from health professionals to consumers — and the significant role they can play in health and nutrition.”The Cocoapro™ cocoa extract used in CocoaVia™ Cardio Health is the same ingredient and cocoa flavanol level used in the landmark COSMOS Trial — the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study — a five-year study with over 21,000 older adults led by investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard University. The study provides unprecedented support for the heart health benefits of cocoa flavanols, and 500 mg of cocoa flavanols taken daily is clinically proven to promote heart health for the long term. With the most concentrated flavanol extract ingredient available, CocoaVia™ can play an important role in putting the AND recommendations into action to meet health and diet goals.“My clients are aware of the benefits of vitamins and minerals, but I also stress the importance of flavanols in the diet. It’s great to see this new guideline give a group of compounds the attention they deserve for helping support heart health,” said Manuel Villacorta, CocoaVia™ Brand Ambassador and registered dietitian. “For the days you can use all the help you can get to reach your goals, CocoaVia™ is a great option for filling in dietary gaps.”To learn more or make a purchase today, visit CocoaVia.com.