Chocolate--guilty pleasure or healthy supplement?

Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry: an innovative one-run method for the comprehensive assessment of chocolate quality and authenticity

To assess chocolate quality and authenticity comprehensively, a combination of various analytical procedures is involved, thereby making the process time-consuming and costly. Thus, we investigated the potential of ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-QTOF-MS) as an alternative to "classic" methods. By combining hexane and aqueous extracts from sequential extraction, a single 8-min analytical run enabled us (i) to determine cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) and milk fat content based on the detection of selected triacylglycerols, (ii) to calculate dry non-fat cocoa solids based on determined theobromine and caffeine content, and (iii) to profile contained sugars. To obtain the most comprehensive information about sample composition, the MS method comprised a full MS scan for non-target screening and several time-scheduled targeted MS/MS functions ("parallel reaction monitoring") optimized according to the possible concentration ranges of the analytes. For 40 different chocolate samples, our results and those obtained by using standard methods (LC-UV for non-fat cocoa solids, and GC-FID for CBEs) were in good agreement. Compared to the conventional approach for chocolate quality and authenticity control, the presented SFC-MS method is a fast, cost-effective, and efficient alternative, and only samples suspicious for the presence of CBE should be referred to the standard GC-FID method for exact CBE quantification. In the study, also some challenges offered by SFC-MS have been addressed.

Repeated Oral Administration of Flavan-3-ols Induces Browning in Mice Adipose Tissues through Sympathetic Nerve Activation

We previously found increases in uncoupling protein (Ucp)-1 transcription in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice following a single oral dose of flavan 3-ol (FL)s, a fraction of catechins and procyanidins. It was confirmed that these changes were totally reduced by co-treatment of adrenaline blockers. According to these previous results, FLs possibly activate sympathetic nervous system (SNS). In this study, we confirmed the marked increase in urinary catecholamine (CA) s projecting SNS activity following a single dose of 50 mg/kg FLs. In addition, we examined the impact of the repeated administration of 50 mg/kg FLs for 14 days on adipose tissues in mice. In BAT, FLs tended to increase the level of Ucp-1 along with significant increase of thermogenic transcriptome factors expressions, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and PR domain-containing (PRDM)1. Expression of browning markers, CD137 and transmembrane protein (TMEM) 26, in addition to PGC-1α were increased in epididymal adipose (eWAT) by FLs. A multilocular morphology with cell size reduction was shown in the inguinal adipose (iWAT), together with increasing the level of Ucp-1 by FLs. These results exert that FLs induce browning in adipose, and this change is possibly produced by the activation of the SNS.

Chocolate Consumption and Indicators of Adiposity in US Adults

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research is to investigate the association between consumption of chocolate and measures of adiposity in a large, representative sample of US adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from 13,626 nondiabetic adults (≥20 years) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study were aggregated using 5 study cycles from 2005-2006 through 2013-2014. Chocolate consumption was determined based on 2 24-hour dietary recalls. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were objectively measured. We used multivariable linear regression to test associations of 1) any chocolate consumption (yes/no), and 2) the total amount of chocolate consumption (grams/day, in quartiles) with BMI and waist circumference. Models controlled for sociodemographic, lifestyle, health-related, and dietary covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, 11.1% of the population self-reported any chocolate consumption in either of their 2 24-hour dietary recalls. Adjusted linear regression models showed that individuals who reported any chocolate consumption had 0.92 kg/m² (95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.32) lower BMI, and 2.07 cm (95% confidence intervals, 1.22-2.92) lower waist circumference than those who reported no chocolate consumption. In models examining the association of amount of chocolate consumption and weight status, compared with those who did not consume chocolate, lower BMI (P for trend = .003) and waist circumference (P for trend = .001) were observed in the first, second, and third quartiles of total chocolate consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

In this representative sample of US adults, chocolate consumption was associated with lower markers of adiposity. Further research using a longitudinal or experimental design is needed to establish the direction of causation.

To Eat or Not to Eat: A Review of the Relationship between Chocolate and Migraines

Migraine is a chronic disorder with episodic attacks, and patients with a migraine often report that certain factors can trigger their headache, with chocolate being the most popular type of food-based trigger. Many studies have suggested a link between chocolate and headaches; however, the underlying physiological mechanisms are unclear. As premonitory symptoms may herald migraine attacks, a question arises regarding whether eating chocolate before a headache is a consequence of a food craving or indeed a real trigger. Here, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the relationship between chocolate and migraines. All articles concerning this topic published up to January 2020 were retrieved by searching clinical databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. All types of studies have been included. Here, we identify 25 studies investigating the prevalence of chocolate as a trigger factor in migraineurs. Three provocative studies have also evaluated if chocolate can trigger migraine attacks, comparing it to a placebo. Among them, in 23 studies, chocolate was found to be a migraine trigger in a small percentage of participants (ranging from 1.3 to 33), while all provocative studies have failed to find significant differences between migraine attacks induced by eating chocolate and a placebo. Overall, based on our review of the current literature, there is insufficient evidence that chocolate is a migraine trigger; thus, doctors should not make implicit recommendations to migraine patients to avoid it.

Elucidation of the Interaction between Flavan-3-ols and Bovine Serum Albumin and Its Effect on Their In-Vitro Cytotoxicity

Flavan-3-ols (FLs), specifically catechin and its oligomer B-type procyanidins, are suggested to potently bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA). We examined the interaction between BSA and FLs by fluorescence quenching and found the following order of binding activities to BSA: cinnamtannin A2 (A2; tetramer) > procyanidin C1 (C1; trimer) ≈ procyanidin B2 (B2, dimer) > (−)epicatechin (EC, monomer). Docking simulations between BSA and each compound at the binding site showed that the calculated binding energies were consistent with the results of our experimental assay. FLs exerted cytotoxicity at 1000 μg/mL in F11 cell culture with fetal bovine serum containing BSA. In culture containing serum-free medium, FLs exhibited significant cell proliferation at 10⁻⁴ μg/mL and cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations greater than 10 μg/mL. Results of this study suggest that interactions between polyphenols and BSA should be taken into account when evaluating procyanidin in an in vitro cell culture system.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone is significantly upregulated in the mouse paraventricular nucleus following a single oral dose of cinnamtannin A2 as an (-)-epicatechin tetramer

Cinnamtannin A2, an (−)-epicatechin tetramer, was reported to have potent physiological activity. Cinnamtannin A2 is rarely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood and the mechanisms of its beneficial activities are unknown. Cinnamtannin A2 reported to increase sympathetic nervous activity, which was induced by various stressors. In present study, we examined the stress response in the mouse paraventricular nucleus following a single oral dose of cinnamtannin A2 by monitoring mRNA expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and c-fos using in situ hybridization. Corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA showed a tendency to increase at 15 min and significantly increased at 60 min following a single oral administration of 100 µg/kg cinnamtannin A2. After a single dose of 10 µg/kg cinnamtannin A2, there was significant upregulation of CRH mRNA at 60 min. These results suggested that cinnamtannin A2 was recognized as a stressor in central nervous system and this may lead to its beneficial effects on circulation and metabolism.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone is significantly upregulated in the mouse paraventricular nucleus following a single oral dose of cinnamtannin A2 as an (-)-epicatechin tetramer

Cinnamtannin A2, an (-)-epicatechin tetramer, was reported to have potent physiological activity. Cinnamtannin A2 is rarely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood and the mechanisms of its beneficial activities are unknown. Cinnamtannin A2 reported to increase sympathetic nervous activity, which was induced by various stressors. In present study, we examined the stress response in the mouse paraventricular nucleus following a single oral dose of cinnamtannin A2 by monitoring mRNA expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and c-fos using in situ hybridization. Corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA showed a tendency to increase at 15 min and significantly increased at 60 min following a single oral administration of 100 µg/kg cinnamtannin A2. After a single dose of 10 µg/kg cinnamtannin A2, there was significant upregulation of CRH mRNA at 60 min. These results suggested that cinnamtannin A2 was recognized as a stressor in central nervous system and this may lead to its beneficial effects on circulation and metabolism.

Is chocolate consumption associated with health outcomes? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The literature regarding the potential health benefits of chocolate consumption are unclear and the epidemiological credibility has not been systematically scrutinized, while the strength of the evidence is undetermined. We therefore aimed to map and grade the diverse health outcomes associated with chocolate consumption using an umbrella review of systematic reviews.

METHODS

Umbrella review of systematic reviews of observational and intervention studies (randomized placebo-controlled trials, RCTs). For each association, random-effects summary effect size, 95% confidence interval, and 95% prediction interval were estimated. We also assessed heterogeneity, evidence for small-study effect and evidence for excess significance bias. For significant outcomes of the RCTs, the GRADE assessment was furtherly used.

RESULTS

From 240 articles returned, 10 systematic reviews were included (8 of which included a meta-analysis), including a total of 84 studies (36 prospective observational studies and 48 interventional). Nineteen different outcomes were included. Among observational studies, including a total of 1,061,637 participants, the best available evidence suggests that chocolate consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death (n = 4 studies), acute myocardial infarction (n = 6), stroke (n = 5) and diabetes (n = 6), although this was based on a weak evidence of credibility. Across meta-analyses of intervention studies, chocolate consumption was positively associated with flow-mediated dilatation at 90-150 min (n = 3) and at 2-18 weeks (n = 3), and insulin resistance markers (n = 2). However, using the GRADE assessment, the evidence for these outcomes was low or very low. Data from two systematic reviews, reported that chocolate consumption was not associated with better depressive mood or cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

There is weak evidence to suggest that chocolate consumption may be associated with favorable health outcomes.

Dietary Polyphenols Targeting Arterial Stiffness: Interplay of Contributing Mechanisms and Gut Microbiome-Related Metabolism

Increased arterial stiffness is a degenerative vascular process, progressing with age that leads to a reduced capability of arteries to expand and contract in response to pressure changes. This progressive degeneration mainly affects the extracellular matrix of elastic arteries and causes loss of vascular elasticity. Recent studies point to significant interference of dietary polyphenols with mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and progression of arterial stiffness. This review summarizes data from epidemiological and interventional studies on the effect of polyphenols on vascular stiffness as an illustration of current research and addresses possible etiological factors targeted by polyphenols, including pathways of vascular functionality, oxidative status, inflammation, glycation, and autophagy. Effects can either be inflicted directly by the dietary polyphenols or indirectly by metabolites originated from the host or microbial metabolic processes. The composition of the gut microbiome, therefore, determines the resulting metabolome and, as a consequence, the observed activity. On the other hand, polyphenols also influence the intestinal microbial composition, and therefore the metabolites available for interaction with relevant targets. As such, targeting the gut microbiome is another potential treatment option for arterial stiffness.

Cocoa Bean Proteins-Characterization, Changes and Modifications due to Ripening and Post-Harvest Processing

The protein fractions of cocoa have been implicated influencing both the bioactive potential and sensory properties of cocoa and cocoa products. The objective of the present review is to show the impact of different stages of cultivation and processing with regard to the changes induced in the protein fractions. Special focus has been laid on the major seed storage proteins throughout the different stages of processing. The study starts with classical introduction of the extraction and the characterization methods used, while addressing classification approaches of cocoa proteins evolved during the timeline. The changes in protein composition during ripening and maturation of cocoa seeds, together with the possible modifications during the post-harvest processing (fermentation, drying, and roasting), have been documented. Finally, the bioactive potential arising directly or indirectly from cocoa proteins has been elucidated. The “state of the art” suggests that exploration of other potentially bioactive components in cocoa needs to be undertaken, while considering the complexity of reaction products occurring during the roasting phase of the post-harvest processing. Finally, the utilization of partially processed cocoa beans (e.g., fermented, conciliatory thermal treatment) can be recommended, providing a large reservoir of bioactive potentials arising from the protein components that could be instrumented in functionalizing foods.

Single oral administration of flavan 3-ols induces stress responses monitored with stress hormone elevations in the plasma and paraventricular nucleus

We previously confirmed that postprandial alterations in the circulation and metabolism after a single oral dose of flavan 3-ols (mixture of catechin and catechin oligomers) were involved in an increase in sympathetic nervous activity. However, it is well known that, in response to various stresses, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis occurs together with sympathetic nerve activity, which is associated with activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axis. In this study, we examined whether the HPA axis was activated after a single dose of flavan 3-ols. We administered an oral dose of 10 or 50 mg/kg flavan 3-ols to male ICR mice, removed the brains, and fixed them in paraformaldehyde-phosphate buffer. Other animals that were treated similarly were decapitated, and blood was collected. In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), c-fos mRNA expression increased significantly at 15 min after administration of either 10 or 50 mg/kg flavan 3-ols. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression levels significantly increased at 240 min after administration of 10 mg/kg flavan 3-ols, and at 60 min after administration of 50 mg/kg flavan 3-ols. Plasma corticosterone levels were also significantly increased at 240 min after ingestion of 50 mg/kg flavan 3-ols. In this experiment, we confirmed that the ingestion of flavan 3-ols acted as a stressor in mammals with activation both the SAM and HPA axes.

Comparison of the sympathetic stimulatory abilities of B-type procyanidins based on induction of uncoupling protein-1 in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and increased plasma catecholamine (CA) in mice

OBJECTIVES

We previously found that elevated energy expenditure following a single oral dose of flavan 3-ols (FL), a mixture of catechins and B type procyanidins, is caused by sympathetic nerve activation. In the present study, we compared the activity of the FL components (-)-epicatechin (EC; monomer), procyanidin B2 (B2; dimer), procyanidin C1 (C1; trimer), cinnamtannin A2 (A2; tetramer), and more than pentamer fraction (P5).

METHODS

Male ICR mice were treated with a single oral dose of FL, EC, B2, C1, A2, or P5. The animals were sacrificed and blood and brown adipose tissue (BAT) sampled. The plasma catecholamine (CA) levels and BAT uncoupling protein (UCP)-1 mRNA expression were determined.

RESULTS

A single dose of 10 mg/kg FL significantly increased plasma CA and UCP-1 mRNA levels. B2, C1, and A2, but not EC and P5 (all at 1 mg/kg), significantly increased plasma adrenaline levels. Plasma noradrenaline was significantly elevated by B2 and A2, but not by EC, C1, or P5. UCP-1 mRNA levels were significantly increased by C1 and P5. In the dose response study of A2, 10-3 mg/kg A2 increased UCP-1 mRNA levels significantly, but not 10-2 and 10-1 mg/kg A2. In addition, combination treatment with 10-1 mg/kg A2 and yohimbine, an α2 adrenalin blocker, remarkably increased UCP-1 mRNA levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FL and its components, except EC, increase UCP-1 mRNA and plasma CA with varying efficacy.

Habitual chocolate consumption and the risk of incident heart failure among healthy men and women

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine the association between chocolate intake and the risk of incident heart failure in a UK general population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this association.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used data from a prospective population-based study, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk cohort. Chocolate intake was quantified based on a food frequency questionnaire obtained at baseline (1993-1997) and incident heart failure was ascertained up to March 2009. We supplemented the primary data with a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies which evaluated risk of incident heart failure with chocolate consumption. A total of 20,922 participants (53% women; mean age 58 ± 9 years) were included of whom 1101 developed heart failure during the follow up (mean 12.5 ± 2.7 years, total person years 262,291 years). After adjusting for lifestyle and dietary factors, we found 19% relative reduction in heart failure incidence in the top (up to 100 g/d) compared to the bottom quintile of chocolate consumption (HR 0.81 95%CI 0.66-0.98) but the results were no longer significant after controlling for comorbidities (HR 0.87 95%CI 0.71-1.06). Additional adjustment for potential mediators did not attenuate the results further. We identified five relevant studies including the current study (N = 75,408). The pooled results showed non-significant 19% relative risk reduction of heart failure incidence with higher chocolate consumption (HR 0.81 95%CI 0.66-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that higher chocolate intake is not associated with subsequent incident heart failure.

Dietary phytochemicals and neuro-inflammaging: from mechanistic insights to translational challenges

An extensive literature describes the positive impact of dietary phytochemicals on overall health and longevity. Dietary phytochemicals include a large group of non-nutrients compounds from a wide range of plant-derived foods and chemical classes. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made to realize that oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) and chronic, low-grade inflammation are major risk factors underlying brain aging. Accumulated data strongly suggest that phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices may exert relevant negative immunoregulatory, and/or anti-O&NS activities in the context of brain aging. Despite the translational gap between basic and clinical research, the current understanding of the molecular interactions between phytochemicals and immune-inflammatory and O&NS (IO&NS) pathways could help in designing effective nutritional strategies to delay brain aging and improve cognitive function. This review attempts to summarise recent evidence indicating that specific phytochemicals may act as positive modulators of IO&NS pathways by attenuating pro-inflammatory pathways associated with the age-related redox imbalance that occurs in brain aging. We will also discuss the need to initiate long-term nutrition intervention studies in healthy subjects. Hence, we will highlight crucial aspects that require further study to determine effective physiological concentrations and explore the real impact of dietary phytochemicals in preserving brain health before the onset of symptoms leading to cognitive decline and inflammatory neurodegeneration.

At the interface of antioxidant signalling and cellular function: Key polyphenol effects

The hypothesis that dietary (poly)phenols promote well‐being by improving chronic disease‐risk biomarkers, such as endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and plasma uric acid, is the subject of intense current research, involving human interventions studies, animal models and in vitro mechanistic work. The original claim that benefits were due to the direct antioxidant properties of (poly)phenols has been mostly superseded by detailed mechanistic studies on specific molecular targets. Nevertheless, many proposed mechanisms in vivo and in vitro are due to modulation of oxidative processes, often involving binding to specific proteins and effects on cell signalling. We review the molecular mechanisms for 3 actions of (poly)phenols on oxidative processes where there is evidence in vivo from human intervention or animal studies. (1) Effects of (poly) phenols on pathways of chronic inflammation leading to prevention of some of the damaging effects associated with the metabolic syndrome. (2) Interaction of (poly)phenols with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, leading to effects on blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, and consequent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. (3) The inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase leading to modulation of intracellular superoxide and plasma uric acid, a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

What an anticardiovascular diet should be in 2015

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Given scientific and public debate about optimal diet to prevent cardiovascular disease, and interest in diet and other chronic diseases, we propose that following a few simple dietary principles would reduce chronic disease incidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nutrition research has been criticized for focusing on individual nutrients and foods, treated like drug therapy. With a few important exceptions, clinical trials of supplemental nutrients have not shown benefit. Although highly specific nutrition information is elusive, diet patterns have provided consistent answers, important for public health. Observational cohort studies have found that some dietary patterns are reported with high reliability over long periods and predict future cardiovascular and other inflammatory-related diseases. Two randomized clinical trials confirmed this finding. There are many common features of Mediterranean and prudent diets, particularly the plant-centered aspect, coupled with variety of foods eaten. A dietary pattern characterized by high fruit, vegetable, legume, whole grain, nut, berry, seed, and fish intakes, and possibly by intakes of dairy, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol (not in excess), but low meat and detrimentally processed foods is associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease and rates of noncardiovascular, noncancer chronic inflammatory-related mortality.

SUMMARY

A plant-centered diet may be broadly recommended.

Natural cocoa consumption: Potential to reduce atherogenic factors?

Short-term consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa has been demonstrated to improve various facets of vascular health. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of 4 weeks of natural cocoa consumption on selected cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers in young (19-35 years) women of differing body mass indices (BMI; normal, overweight or obese). Subjects (n = 24) consumed a natural cocoa-containing product (12.7 g natural cocoa, 148 kcal/serving) or an isocaloric cocoa-free placebo daily for 4 weeks in a random, double-blind manner with a 2-week washout period between treatment arms. Fasted (>8-h) blood samples were collected before and after each 4-week period. Serum was analyzed to determine lipid profile (chemistry analyzer) and CVD biomarkers (26 biomarkers). EDTA-treated blood was used to assess monocytes (CD14, CD16, v11b and CD62L), while citrate-treated blood was used to measure changes in endothelial microparticles (EMPs; CD42a-/45-/144+) by flow cytometry. Natural cocoa consumption resulted in a significant decrease in haptoglobin (P = .034), EMP concentration (P = .017) and monocyte CD62L (P = .047) in obese compared to overweight and normal-weight subjects. Natural cocoa consumption regardless of BMI group was associated with an 18% increase in high-density lipoprotein (P = .020) and a 60% decrease in EMPs (P = .047). Also, obese subjects experienced a 21% decrease in haptoglobin (P = .034) and a 24% decrease in monocyte CD62L expression in (P = .047) following 4 weeks of natural cocoa consumption. Collectively, these findings indicate that acute natural cocoa consumption was associated with decreased obesity-related disease risk. More research is needed to assess the stability of the observed short-term changes.