The results of a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found cocoa flavanols to help improve blood vessel health in type 2 diabetes patients. Researchers from Germany and the United States gave type 2 diabetes patients Cocoapro (a cocoa bean processing method developed by Mars) beverages containing different levels of flavanols. The patients’ blood vessel functions were then measured and a positive correlation between the two was found.

“While more research is needed, this study shows tremendous potential for future flavanol-based applications,” said Dr. Paul Zimmet, director of the International Diabetes Institute in Australia.