Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
A growing number of epidemiologic studies have shown a link between the ingestion of flavonoid-rich cocoa and cardiovascular health benefits. A particular kind of flavonoid found in cocoa, namely flavan-3-ol (flavanol), has recently received more attention in this context. This review discusses the cardioprotective properties of flavanols, and the mechanisms underlying these beneficial actions.