Xtrainer Knows it's Good. So Just Eat It.

[MikeMartial]

Effect of cocoa powder on the modulation of inflammatory biomarkers in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease1,2,3,4

Maria Monagas, Nasiruddin Khan, Cristina Andres-Lacueva, Rosa Casas, Mireia Urpí-Sardà, Rafael Llorach, Rosa Maria Lamuela-Raventós and Ramón EstruchNSOLIDER program 2010 Fun-C-Food CSD2007-063). RE is recipient


Background: Epidemiologic studies have suggested that flavonoid intake plays a critical role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Because atherosclerosis is considered a low-grade inflammatory disease, some feeding trials have analyzed the effects of cocoa (an important source of flavonoids) on inflammatory biomarkers, but the results have been controversial.
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of chronic cocoa consumption on cellular and serum biomarkers related to atherosclerosis in high-risk patients.
Design: Forty-two high-risk volunteers (19 men and 23 women; mean ± SD age: 69.7 ± 11.5 y) were included in a randomized crossover feeding trial. All subjects received 40 g cocoa powder with 500 mL skim milk/d (C+M) or only 500 mL skim milk/d (M) for 4 wk. Before and after each intervention period, cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis were evaluated.
Results: Adherence to the dietary protocol was excellent. No significant changes in the expression of adhesion molecules on T lymphocyte surfaces were found between the C+M and M groups. However, in monocytes, the expression of VLA-4, CD40, and CD36 was significantly lower (P = 0.005, 0.028, and 0.001, respectively) after C+M intake than after M intake. In addition, serum concentrations of the soluble endothelium-derived adhesion molecules P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly lower (both P = 0.007) after C+M intake than after M intake.
Conclusions: These results suggest that the intake of cocoa polyphenols may modulate inflammatory mediators in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. These antiinflammatory effects may contribute to the overall benefits of cocoa consumption against atherosclerosis. This trial was registered in the Current Controlled Trials at London, International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number, at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN75176807.

[Steakeater]

Looks like Aragon was right when he told people to put raw cocoa in their pwo shakes. But I wonder if too much anti-inflammation can inhibit strength gains. I know bodybuilders shun NSAIDs pre and post workout because some inflammation is needed for growth and hypertrophy, but for strength I am not too sure.

Probably nothing really to worry about. Natural foods like fish oil and tumeric dont have enough anti-inflammation properties as NSAIDs like ibuprofen, but might be beneficial for faster recovery and less doms.

[XTrainer]

http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2009/...00-ohnoooo.jpg

Mike, would you mind talking a bit about the markers this study looked at? I have vague familiarity with CD36. Clueless about the others.

[Andy Rickert]

Originally Posted by Steakeater

Looks like Aragon was right when he told people to put raw cocoa in their pwo shakes. But I wonder if too much anti-inflammation can inhibit strength gains. I know bodybuilders shun NSAIDs pre and post workout because some inflammation is needed for growth and hypertrophy, but for strength I am not too sure.

Probably nothing really to worry about. Natural foods like fish oil and tumeric dont have enough anti-inflammation properties as NSAIDs like ibuprofen, but might be beneficial for faster recovery and less doms.

I tried to look up some stuff on NSAID's and strength, and found something kind of interesting (kind of a counterpoint to your statement, but not necessarily referring to the pre and post-wo window)

Muscle Mass/Strength Increased By Ibuprofen Or Acetaminophen In Long-Term Resistance Training

[The Zerg]

So all this complicated data is just telling us to eat some cocoa powder every now and then.
I like to sum it up at eat animals, plants, nuts, diary and some grains .