Are antioxidants the same as flavanols, and if so, how many antioxidants are in CocoaVia®?
No, antioxidants are not the same as flavanols. Antioxidants are compounds which can slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. While flavanols have been shown to have some antioxidant-like effects, it is a true understatement to refer to them as solely antioxidants. While the vascular benefits of antioxidants have yet to be clearly shown, the results of several human studies demonstrate that cocoa flavanols can enhance the relaxation of blood vessels and improve the function of platelets, suggesting that the consumption of cocoa flavanols can support a healthy heart. So while it is tempting to view flavanols as antioxidants, the results of several studies strongly support that benefits of cocoa flavanols go well beyond their ability to function as antioxidants. Any number of compounds, vitamins or ingredients can be called antioxidants because they demonstrate an antioxidant function in a test tube. While cocoa flavanols can function as antioxidants, it is incorrect and mislead
