Daily Consumption of a Chocolate Rich in Flavonoids Decreases Cellular Genotoxicity and Improves Biochemical Parameters of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism

Abstract

In recent years, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACVD), Obesity and Diabetes, have increase exponentially worldwide. In the present work, we evaluate the genoprotective effect of consuming a flavonoids-rich chocolate and the improvement in the biochemical parameters related to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in young Mexican adults. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was undertaken in the Autonomous University of Baja California. The treatments were a daily intake of 2 grams of dark chocolate containing 70% cooca or milk chocolate. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were evaluated in both chocolates. Anthropometrical and Biochemical parameters were measured in the 84 participants before and after the study. Buccal epithelial genotoxicity was also evaluated from the beginning to the end of the experiment in the participants. Result suggested that flavonoids of cocoa intake have protective effects against DNA damage, and Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level in blood) and anthropometrical parameters (waist circumference) were also improved after six months of daily intake of 2 grams of dark chocolate with a 70% of cocoa.

Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

“…Previous work from our laboratory showed improved serum HDL levels in type 2 diabetic rats treated with hesperidin and naringin [ 21 ]. Long-term consumption of flavonoid-rich foods has been associated with improved circulating levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol [ 87 ]. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies reported the influence of flavonoids on RCT and HDL function by regulating the activity and expression of hepatic paraoxonase 1 and cholesterol efflux from macrophages [ 46 ].…”

Adverse effects of honey on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled cross-over trial

“…Phytochemicals in honey may have suppressing effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses [7]. Flavonoids have also shown potential to decrease levels of blood lipids including triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol [8]. By inhibition of glucose absorption, increased secretion of insulin, and decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis, polyphenols may also exert an anti-diabetic effect [9].…”

Natural Bioactive Compounds Useful in Clinical Management of Metabolic Syndrome

“…To improve the lipid profile of these patients, it is possible to resort to NBCs, capable of modulate the lipid metabolism (Table 5). [236,237] PPARs pathways modulation Resveratrol is able to act on lipid metabolism through numerous mechanisms, promoting the reduction in adipogenesis and the increase in lipolysis [241]. Specifically, the main mechanism of the SIRT1 pathway, a nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase, involved in energy and mitochondrial metabolism.…”

“…In another study, Hamed et al observed an improvement in the lipid profile, in particular a reduction in LDL-C and an increase in HDL-C, in healthy subjects taking 700 mg/day of flavonoids in the form of dark chocolate for one week [ 236 ]. More recently, a randomized and placebo-controlled study conducted by Leyva-Soto et al, revealed that total cholesterol, LDL-C and TG decreased after a daily intake of 2 g of dark chocolate (70%) for 6 months [ 237 ]. The cocoa polyphenols regulate the main pathways involved in both fat synthesis and catabolism.…”