Can Eating Chocolate Stop You Getting Wrinkles and Fine Lines?

Chocolate Industry

Chocolates have always been the preferred choice of flavor around the world. It can be used as an ingredient in candies, beverages, snacks or ice cream products. Regardless of the food product, as long as there is an alternate chocolate flavor, it is bound to attract more sales and top the best-seller charts. Statistics value the United States’ chocolate industry at $20.1 billion U.S. dollars, with annual revenue comprising $16 billion U.S. dollars of that figure. In 2009, the global chocolate consumption was recorded at 7.2 million tons and this figure is expected to continue on its upward trend with annual consumption rate expected to hit 8.5 million tons by the year 2020.

Skin Protection Benefits

Interestingly, scientists first discovered that chocolates possess a hidden benefit that can aid in improving skin condition. More specifically, eating good-quality dark chocolate offers the skin vital protection against the damaging effects of the sun. These harmful effects include the prevalence of facial wrinkles, skin discoloration and dry skin. The breakthrough study was conducted by the London University of the Arts and European Dermatology London, with the following parameters:

•    30 participants, 22 women and 8 men
•    Average age of 43
•    Randomly split into 2 groups
•    Given chocolates with either high or low flavanol content
•    Consumption rate at 20 grams per day
•    Total testing period of 3 months

Flavanol is the key component in this experiment as it is believed to contain antioxidant properties. Other types of food that boast high flavanol content include blueberries, pomegranates, and green tea. The participants had their skin condition tested before and after the conclusion of the trial, using the minimal UVB erythema dose (MED) method. This method of testing delivered concentrated light beams to the skin, allowing scientists to measure the level of UV light exposure that resulted in skin burns.

28 participants completed the 3-month trial period and scientists recorded the following results:

•    Participants in low-flavanol group recorded no change in MED values
•    Participants in high flavanol group had MED values twice as high as before

Ever since the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published the results of this study in 2009, it has attracted much attention from the medical field, albeit garnering more criticisms than accolades. Most experts do not deny the fact that flavanols in chocolate can help to offer antioxidant properties to the skin. Nonetheless, their arguments revolved around the ambiguity of the trial and the lack of consideration for long-term skin effects.

Latest Breakthrough Development

While the study in 2009 failed to pick up momentum and gradually faded away from the limelight, a newer invention surfaced recently. Capitalizing on the concept, scientists from the biotech firm Lycotec has formulated a new hybrid of chocolate, Esthechoc, to specifically offer anti aging skin care benefits to its consumers. This latest invention promises the following benefits:

•    Boost antioxidant levels
•    Increase blood circulation
•    Delay development of wrinkles and fine lines
•    Promote firm skin
•    Improve skin foundation

7.5 grams of Esthechoc is advertised as:

•    Containing same levels of antioxidants as a serving of Alaskan salmon
•    Equal free-radical fighting cocoa polyphenols as 100 grams of dark chocolate

In-house testing shows that subjects who consumed Esthechoc on a daily basis for a month recorded improved blood supply to the skin tissues and significantly lower inflammation in the blood. Furthermore, the scientists even claimed that when a 50 – 60-year-old consumes this anti-aging chocolate, their skin condition will improve drastically and restore their skin foundation back to when they were in their 20s or 30s.

The Lycotec firm was founded by Dr. Ivan Petyaev, who is the creator of Esthechoc. He explained his creation as utilizing the same concept and antioxidants that are helping goldfish and flamingos retain their vibrant colors. Subjects who were fortunate enough to test the product reported that their skin health improved and that visible signs of aging were reduced significantly. Another incentive of this product is its suitability for patients with diabetes. It boasts of a low-calorie value of just 38 kcal.

While this discovery might send health conscious consumers into a frenzy, health experts are taking a cautious approach. Most of them indicate the need for more thorough and detailed clinical trials to fully understand the mechanics behind this invention. Other health professionals have expressed their support for the program but highlighted the need for the in-house trial results to be submitted to medical journals to be substantiated.

Conclusion

Dark chocolate has always maintained a good track record in terms of science and health. Many scientists have conducted trials to explore its full capabilities. This is first evidenced by the research paper conducted in 2009, where the authors focused their attention on the health benefits that flavanols offer. Although the results attracted much discussion within the medical community, the theory that flavanols possess the ability to improve skin condition has been widely accepted.

In a separate study, a biotech firm from the United Kingdom, Lycotech, has claimed to have created a new chocolate product that boasts of anti-aging properties. This new product focuses on other antioxidants to offer these skin benefits and also advertises its low-calorie content as a health advantage. Nonetheless, the medical industry has cautioned that more clinical trials are required to substantiate its claims.

References:

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/get-rid-of-under-eye-bags-and-lines.html

https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/9-skincare-habits-have-break-up-with.html

http://phys.org/news/2009-11-chocolate-rich-flavanols-skin-uv.html

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/11November/Pages/dark-chocolate-stops-wrinkles-skin-ageing.aspx