There is growing evidence that links diets rich in flavanols - a group of compounds naturally present in cocoa beans - to circulatory health benefits in humans. However, traditional cocoa manufacturing usually destroys cocoa flavanols. We at Mars, Incorporated are dedicated to developing sustainable agricultural, harvesting, and food processing methods that preserve flavanols, and so capture the nutritional and biomedical potential of these compounds.

To realize this goal, Mars is committed to rigorous research aimed at understanding the chemical, nutritional, and biomedical properties of cocoa flavanols. This has led to the creation of food production processes which retain cocoa flavanols from the bean right to the food that we eat.

The benefits of cocoa flavanols could potentially be vast. There are many scientific research papers that demonstrate that the consumption of flavanol-rich foods may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. While all body systems depend on healthy blood circulation, flavanols could prove especially beneficial for heart, brain, and digestive health.

Mars has been a leader in flavanol research for nearly 20 years. In international collaboration with our partners in academia, industry, and government agencies, we have conducted and supported the majority of research in this field. This is reflected in the publication of over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 30 patents.

Key facts

• Albert Szent-Györgyi, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1937, in reference to various flavonoids: “It does seem that these substances possess great biological activity… these substances will enrich the doctor’s inventory with a really useful new weapon for him to fight illnesses with.”
• Research indicates that cocoa flavanols may help to:
  • Improve blood vessel function and increase blood flow
  • Reduce tendency of blood clot formation
  • Lower blood pressure in mild hypertension
  • Increase blood flow to the brain, which could have important implications for learning and memory function
• Certain fruit and berries, tea, wine, and some cocoas and chocolate products (with proper processing) represent the main dietary sources of flavanols in the human diet. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that dietary flavanols have a positive impact on circulatory health.