Dr. Greger: Cocoa for Muscle & Mitochondrial Function - Fact or Fiction?

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References [Copy & Paste DOI into Search Engine]
[1] doi:10.1093/gerona/glz107
[2] doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.119.315600
[3] doi:10.1111/j.1752-8062.2011.00357.x
Dr. Greger's Video: • Cooca Powder for Muscl...
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#cocoa #mitochondrialhealth #nutritionfacts

[@Physionic]

No amendments, currently.

[@MrVizzle]

Understood

[@nicolatesla5786]

Hey I don't know your name that's cool. I'm a Myers-Briggs INTP I should have became a scientist long time ago hear it in the last year I've been investigating lifespan and healthspan Science and I stumbled across what is probably the world's record for the longest living male. The gentleman was being interviewed by TV reporter regarding his age. The interview started out with his memory and what he recalls in his life he remembers when the plane and the automobile came about. My assumption would be soon after he was born after the invention of the automobile and aircraft which obviously is the Model T and the Wright flyer. Based on my observation condition of his face he had no age spots no or hardly any wrinkles at all in a skin. He had no physical or neurological disability so you can get off the sofa just fine and walk to the kitchen showing the reporter what he's been eating for the last 110 years. So in addition to his vegan based diet, he's been consuming honey, chocolate, cinnamon and garlic. The next year he was interviewed he was in full spirit standing in front of his cake and responding to the reporters questions at a normal cognitive Cadence of a 45 year old. Eventually his heart gave out at the age of 116 years old😊

[@michaelblacktree]

I'm assuming the cocoa used in the study was not processed with alkali? Most chocolate you buy at the store is processed with alkali. So you may not be getting any health benefits, unless you know what to look for.

[@LowHangingFruitForest]

Can you do a video on red meat?

[@LowHangingFruitForest]

@@michaelblacktreeraw cacao is what I consume.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

Cocoa has high levels of magnesium too. I've read that it's estimated that 75% of the population is magnesium deficient. Taking extra can't hurt.

[@Surfer-727]

1/3 Of the U.S. eats a lot of junk food. ( AI ) AI says if your on a wholefoods diet ( eating real food 85% of the time ) you do not need to take a magnesium suplement. 3 squaers of 70% coco dark chocolate is not much magnesium, taking more than that can lead to heavy metal posining in your blood. Caffiene was not allowed in health food stores for the longest time, now they even have food laced with much added sugar. Nicholas Tesla said stay away from caffiene. I am taking a half dose of magesium glycinate a day until Physionic does a video on magnesium. I may or may not stick with 2 squares of 70% darkchocolate a day, I am sensative to caffiene.

[@jefflittle8913]

@@Surfer-727 "taking more than that leads to heavy metal posining in your blood." I have never heard of that. Are you talking about something similar to the rice arsenic story? "now they even have food laced with much added sugar" Yeah, sugar is not so bad that you have to talk about it with poison terms. "Nicholas Tesla said stay away from caffiene." He also didn't believe in the Neils Bohr model of the atom.

[@Surfer-727]

@@jefflittle8913 Let's just say more that 2 squares of 70% cocao " can " lead to poisoning yourself over a period of time with the lead and cadmium it contains. Only deep fried food is worse than added sugars. Bohr's model of the atom was not entirely accurate in the light of modern quantum mechanics, it was a significant contribution that paved the way for further developments.

[@mark-ish]

​@Surfer-727 not all chocolate is equal likewise not all chocolate is as you state inclusive of lead and cadmium. poor effort their surfer dude.

[@dipdor1]

What about the potentially high levels of heavy metals common in dark chocolate?

[@billw6903]

See my post

[@rayzerot]

Is it just me or does everything have high levels of heavy metals these days?

[@zerotwo2436]

dont eat this! very high amounts of heavy metals

[@theancientsancients1769]

​@@zerotwo2436I buy brands tested for heavy metals and moulds like Seven Hills or Bryan Johnson Blueprint which contain high flavonol, but avoid average brands with no third party testing

[@raraavis7782]

​@@rayzerot Apparently in chocolate (as I understand it), it's not due to pollution, though. Most cacao simply grows in regions where Cadmium levels in the ground are high, because there was volcanic activity in the past. It just naturally ends up in the plant and is only a concern, if you eat a significant amount of dark chocolate every day.

[@lizardfirefighter110]

Soo, does the content of Lead and Cadmium nullify the benefits of Cacao?

[@jaybarker3718]

Or oxalates!

[@tamer6893]

taking chlorophyll rich plants (chlorella or spirulina) to chelates the heavy metals + milk nullify the negative effects of oxalates (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12700095/) and you are good to go

[@myscreen2urs]

LEAD?!😳 Surely not

[@ioGLNX]

What is important is Epicatechin ..which improves Follistatin levels this is the counterpart of Myostatin (muscle breakdown)

[@doghashisday4612]

Great analysis as usual! After participating in a Mayan cacao ceremony, i ve been takinging about 5 traditional cocao drinks a weeks... little or no sugar more cacao, canela/ cardamomo ... dark, rich, bitter... really envigorating

[@doghashisday4612]

@@4124V4TA-SNPCA-x i m in central Am at the moment. An Aztec king was reported to drink a gallon a day. Green teas seem to be linked to several positive outcomes

[@theancientsancients1769]

​@@4124V4TA-SNPCA-xI definitely feel with 100 percent cacao less muscle aching next day and more energy and it improves mood while drinking it

[@tamer6893]

@@4124V4TA-SNPCA-x There are the only ones lol. And cocoa might be the best one. Every time I take 20 g or more of 90% Cacao i get this gut feeling like if i was in love with someone.

[@Hendrixski]

There was a study released today about fish oil. It's all over the news and it's confusing. Could you cover it and help me figure out if a spoonful of cod liver oil is ok to take or not?

[@Physionic]

Can you send it to me? Via email. KZbin auto deletes many links.

[@k.h.6991]

Glad to hear that Dr. Greger, while a bit optimistic, was basically correct on this one. Clearly, when there are only 3 small studies: the results should be taken with a grain of salt (or cocoa in this case). Still, as Dr. Greger might say: when we don't have any reason NOT to do something, we might as well add it to our regiment. It's clear that Dr. Greger's main message is to eat mostly (or only) whole plant foods. Tweaks like this one are only in there for optimization and spicing things up.

[@eatanelkberger]

As for a reason not to eat cocoa, one might be the extremely high oxalate content.

[@klojoify]

Heavy metal contamination is also a very good reason to be careful with cacao

[@eatanelkberger]

@@klojoify when one thinks about it, there are probably lots of concerns, like the heavy use of pesticides and herbicides when farming for cocoa.

[@norediaisraelighodaro532]

Dr Greger is usually right most of the times

[@eatanelkberger]

There are over 800 chemical compounds om cocoa, and it's not wise to assume all of them are good for us.

[@t2p5g4]

One issue that I would like clarification on is that the results were shown with undutched cocoa powder. How do we make sure that we are consuming the undutched substance.

[@darkhorseman8263]

Tetramethylpyrazine regulates PTEN and MTdna number. Small amounts are found in cocoa and coffee. Not really enough to be highly beneficial, though. Vinegar is a better source.

[@jayalanlife5926]

I don't need another channel, just keep doing what you are doing, thanks Nic

[@Physionic]

Always good to get other opinions, not just mine. Just make sure they explain the data. :)

[@tinyjungle_]

You aint sciencing correctly

[@user-ii7xc1ry3x]

@@Physionic Agree. And that's why I love Physionic more by the day 🫂

[@nicolatesla5786]

Question I know the health of the mitochondria is extremely important to the lifespan of the cell. Do you know and this is an interesting question, everyday apoptosis 50 million cells a second? Evidence extending the lifespan of the cell, would that show up in the form of stool deposits with a much lower Mass add size ?

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@tinyjungle_ You mean that a Greger Overstatement re-characterization of the preferred variables _must_ be applied for the science to be "correct"? 😁 Such a process is, at a minimum, certainly necessary for any diet-war channel to be viable, it would seem.

[@harold18659]

I drank locally made cocoa powder for about 4 months for PAD with no improvement. Nothing i tried at the time worked until my friend Natto and Nattokinase came along. :)

[@MikeG-js1jt]

I must be in a strange mood, as your rendition of the "up and Go" dance elicited an audible chuckle from me.

[@cptpylot]

Another great video! Could you please cover apple cider vinegar and weight loss? There are a ton of videos about it but you're really the only trustworthy source.

[@2coryman]

Dr Greger is too positive ❤

[@alanmadeira-metz3531]

What about the possible dangers of contamination with heavy metals? This has been found to be the case with chocolate, including some well-known brands.

[@larrygarms7230]

Great for high blood pressure too.

[@billw6903]

I use terrasoul cocoa nibs with walnuts or sprouted pumpkin seeds and yogurt. This is best choice for less lead and yogurt to help with oxylates

[@tanyasydney2235]

Cocoa is high in oxalates, for those needing to avoid them.

[@369jwillow]

Thanks for doing this. It's important to challenge people we've come to trust.

[@SZvenM]

Interesting topic. Never heard of cocoa as a health supplement before

[@Physionic]

More to come soon

[@paraworth]

Where have you been ?

[@SZvenM]

@@paraworth Not in the "cocoa-is-a-health-supplement"-clubhouse, apparently.

[@nicolatesla5786]

​@@Physionicyoutube 110 year old vegan it's a Part of his diet.

[@theancientsancients1769]

​@@4124V4TA-SNPCA-xI definitely feel better with 100 percent cacao less muscle aching more energy next day and instant mood lift while drinking it. Just make sure it's tested for heavy metals mould like Seven Hills or Bryan Johnson brand

[@seanm8715]

Great video! Please cover more of Dr. Gregors content in the future! It is great to have multiple perspectives

[@narbs8944]

Gregor literally has literally edited study results and deleted lines that disagree with his biases in his videos, he might be right on this one thing but he is a dangerous pseudo scientist. Look up what Avi Bitterman (an actually sane vegan) has written

[@nrbeck1]

Like a lot of people, Gregor is neither entirely right nor entirely wrong. I like his daily dozen checklist. It seems like a great way to get people eating more whole foods. It is largely how I eat anyway, except I have to add a piss ton of protein. As an endurance athelte, I flew over to this video... I nerd out over mitochondria. Too bad cocoa isn't better. I wonder if cacao nibs would be good? Probably another thing in the "can't hurt, doesn't do much" column.

[@williamhenry3337]

I just love your podcasts. Dr William Lee also raves about 85% and higher cocoa. I'm 76 years old and have never taken a prescription or have had health issues so why not cocoa and nuts.

[@johnely5050]

Thank you for a very informative video.

[@1969spp]

I've read that the oxalate content of cocoa is relatively high. How might this factor change the energy balance? Really love your work. Strongly considering a paid subscription.

[@danacamp5437]

It's really high and VERY bioavailable. If you have any oxalate issues cocoa should be limited.

[@1969spp]

@@danacamp5437 Thanks. I need to do more research. I don't know anything about the symptoms of oxalate toxicity.

[@Hendrixski]

I eat 100% cacao dark chocolate for breakfast every morning - paired with a fruit. Sometimes as a bar sometimes as powder. I didn’t know it could have benefits beyond helping me meet my nutritional minimums every day. Good to know. Tha ks for the video.

[@theancientsancients1769]

I definitely feel better less aching next day more energy and better mood instantly with 1000 percent cacao, however make sure it's tested for heavy metals mould etc your brand . Bryan Johnson Blueprint has tested one or Seven Hills

[@2twentysix]

Love the nerd humour and your continued plight to uncover the broccoli in the world of nutrition 🥦🙏

[@ReneeRin-mk5fc]

Is broccoli code for marijuana here too?

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

By 'natural unfiltered cocoa' [powder] do you mean Cacao powder?

[@BlahBlahPoop617]

I consume cacao powder every day and have for many many many years. I am a beast in the gym so I wonder if it had any effect. Who knows but I love chocolate so I will keep consuming away!

[@petercarsten2802]

Is it possible the benefits could be due to stearic acid which is high in cocoa butter and has been shown to increase mitochondria? I would love for you to do a video on stearic acid.

[@_negentropy_]

Thanks Nic! I choose to consume raw cacao bc I love chocolate but I was chuffed to see neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi recommending it for aging cognitive and heart health. Theobromine, I think, is the hero of that story? Nice to know it might possibly maybe improve muscle functions too.

[@tamer6893]

Theobromine is what causes the vascular effect according to what i read. But the mitochondrial biogenesis effect seems to be induced by the (-)-Epicatechin

[@begelston]

Any concerns about cadmium levels in cocoa?

[@tanyasydney2235]

Cadmium and lead.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Dutched or unDutched cocoa powder? I didn't grasp which side you came down on. Thank you for this information.

[@danmarquez3971]

Thank you for the detailed analysis! Holy Moley. My conclusion is that it won't hurt adding a little cocoa here and there if one craves it. (Cravings is another fascinating topic.) Given your wisdom, I would love to hear your thoughts on reducing glycolytic fiber count in those with long COVID. There are many snake oils, I think, but it will take time to sort out.

[@williamhenry3337]

Even if it only has a slight chance of moving the needle in a positive direction why not do it? Thanks for the great podcast.

[@matthewsouthwell]

You and Nutrition Made Simple are the only trustworthy sources on KZbin. No agenda or bias, just facts. Thanks for your service.

[@HidingFromFate]

Agreed, however personally, I would add Simon Hill to form my Trinity of nutritional guidance.

[@matthewsouthwell]

Yes, how could I forget The Proof!

What is Gregers agenda according to you?

[@jp7357]

Yup - I'd also add Gabrielle Lyon, Simon Hill, Rhonda Patrick, and "conquer aging or die trying"

[@simonround2439]

@matthewsouthwell He wants you to become a vegan.

[@5kribbles]

Did you see the study which claims "Cocoa Supplementation Inhibits Mitochondrial Biogenisis Triggered by Exercise", by Garcia-Merino et al? They performed a randomised controlled trial with control/low/high dose with both exercise and none and measured both performance and biogenesis. Does it suggest cocoa supplementation might be good for in-season recovery, but detrimental to training adaptation.

[@TroyDowVanZandt]

I was hoping Meneer Verhoeven was going to explain the the Dutching process in greater detail. ;)

[@oolala53]

I’ve been using natural cocoa powder for years. I don’t know if it’s a tablespoon a day I think sometimes it’s more sometimes less. I have no idea if it’s made the changes that he sites. It certainly hasn’t stopped the progression of arthritis. I hope Dr. Gregor is also telling people to move more and lift weight! not that people will listen. I knew I should be doing it for the last 50 years, but it was extremely sporadic and now I’m facing a bit of a price. And on that note, I’m gonna go do some exercise.

[@renelozano2832]

I thought that Coco or Cacao Inhibited Myostatin, which increased muscle mass?

[@marc09969]

I used to drink a lot and didn't notice any improved functions, then I learned that most of it is contaminated by heavy metals, cadmium etc.

[@NabilEsk]

and mycotoxins

[@daleval2182]

Also high in oxalate

[@joecaner]

BUT! Is it all natural, fair trade, organic cadmium, OR is it exploitative, colonized cadmium? Inquiring mimes want to know...

[@joecaner]

The cadmium contamination varies by the soil concentrations in which cacao is grown. There are Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metal contamination that are bio-magnify and bio-accumulate in the tissues of all fish and seafood, AND the sane dynamic occurs other animals raised for food. We've paved and poisoned paradise and these chickens have come home to roost onto our dinner plates.

[@orion9k]

Just buy cocoa nibs and boil 10 grams for 10 seconds before you add them into your smoothie, works great for my gut and they make me feel so great when ever I add them to my food.

[@richarddenton4364]

Here’s a question not on this topic. Would you consider researching studies on hyper absorbers of saturated fats? Particularly in relation to a 3/4 and 4/4 alleles. Thanks

[@NabilEsk]

Cocoa is apparently susceptible to mycotoxins, similar to aflotoxins usually found in peanuts.

[@nazarakopyantc514]

Also cocoa is high in minerals, saturated and mono saturated fats and protein which might be slightly advantageous for muscle growth and testosterone if consumed regularly

[@adrienmd6146]

Organic natural non-alkalized cocoa powder from Ivory Coast is my personal go-to in morning whey protein shakes. Plenty flavonols and way less heavy metals than in South American cocoa.

[@i3looi2]

My daily combo is AG1 scoop + protein scoop + raw coco powder scoop in the morning. Just add water.

[@mhozayien]

Great content as ever. Thanks you, please can you go over this new study about how fish oil can increase the risk of CVD in healthy people, really would like to hear your opinion on it as I'm not sure now whether to take it or not, thanks.

[@swampkatbrain]

In a reply to an earlier comment, he suggested he'd be talking about this study next week.

[@mhozayien]

@@swampkatbrain ok great thanks

[@BenOgorek]

There were plenty of significant effects. They’re not all significant, but we don’t accept the null, we only fail to reject it. Also I see very small sample sizes. Just wondering why the tone is so negative when there appears to be some cool stuff here.

[@Physionic]

It's unfortunate you felt the tone was overly negative. I think I was fair - I agreed with Dr. Greger on most things, I also said I learned from him. I also acknowledged that the points he didn't discuss (which some of them were positive and in defense of his argument) were likely because of the short video duration. I gotta say, I simply don't see where I was negative other than disagreeing (if you can call that 'negative') on the mitochondrial function aspect, and as a mitochondrial researcher for 10 years, I think I'm allowed to maybe speak on an area I know much more on than even he does. I'd be happy to go into the sample size argument - for example, the first study showed significant effects in many aspects, and I mentioned as much, to Dr. Greger's credit. The second and third study found some significant effects in secondary outcomes, but also other outcomes didn't even sniff significance, so am I supposed to claim that for one set of secondary outcomes the sample size was sufficient, but for the other set of related secondary outcomes the sample size suddenly becomes insufficient although the p-value doesn't even get close to signficiant? I'll also add that these assays usually only need a few samples, but what do I know? I've only done them myself. 😋 So, I disagree with your assessment I was being overly negative or unfair.

[@Jeffs60]

@@Physionic Greger has no license or board certification in anything as he was never able to complete his residency so he has no life experience in anything as he never saw one patient. He has no long term track record in anything. Would you get dental work done by someone who had no license and no experience in anything who sells books that are accredited by nothing since they are loaded with errors?

[@mark-c802]

is your cox enzyme the copper dependent cytochrome c oxidase?...even flavinol rich, organic raw cacao powder varies in benefit depending on heavy metal content and processing techniques...i still use it daily without ill effects

[@stevegerber88]

Would be interested on your take of the studies that show chocolate consumed twice a day will double stem cell production

[@childofaether8733]

Brian Johnson is also unreasonably big on cocoa powder despite the limited evidence.

[@HidingFromFate]

You probably meant cacao powder, as I highly doubt Johnson would consume cocoa power. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@tamer6893]

@@HidingFromFate Nope he consume and sell his own cocoa Powder lol

[@HidingFromFate]

​@@tamer6893ok, I sit corrected. Thanks.

[@woy8]

are raw cacao nibs just as good as the powder?

[@farhat5325]

Cover dr gundry, please

[@blaze1148]

& Dr Berg

[@Nando_lifts2021]

Cocovia is what I take. I can feel the blood flow an hour or so.after taking two capsules

[@theancientsancients1769]

I have long COVID and whenever i take 100 percent cacao i definitely feel less muscle aching the next day and more energy ! My mood improves too. Definitely there is something to cocoa!

[@big5astra]

And while on the subject of cocoa, cocoa contans quite a bit of oxalates. Nic, could you do a video on oxalates and clarify whether oxalates are a "thing" or whether oxalate intake should largely be ignored.

[@ExplodingPsyche]

Yes, I would love to see him do a video on this. I consume a lot of oxalate containing greens and although I don't seem to have any issues from it, I do have a little concern after all the oxalate fearmongering in recent years.

[@tamer6893]

Just drink milk and problem solved pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12700095/

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

I've been consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder everyday for some time now. The only problem is, it causes anal leakage. I'm 62 with anal leakage, but low blood pressure. Quite the tradeoff.

[@CandyGirl44]

I find I cant sleep after having cacoa, does it have caffeine?

[@Physionic]

Yes

[@Pissarrio]

Hi, any opinion about METHYLENE BLUE? i have been hearing a lot about it and not sure if i trust what i am hearing or reading. but i do trust your analysis. Would you do a video on this?

[@Physionic]

Have video

[@karrskarr]

Another phenom nom nom breakdown of stats! At my age the concern is the high oxalates of cacao, as with other plant groups that are heavily laden, and ability to reduce the overall concentration in our bodies. Thank you for your expertise, and looking forward to more of these informative narratives! Respect!

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

Thank you for this comment. I just overdosed on a large “”healthy” brownie last night after a late meal and woke up with what felt like sand in my eyes and pain in my big toes. This helped me piece together that it could be caused by oxalates!

[@karrskarr]

@@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH For an interesting analysis on oxalates google Sally Norton :P

[@gmw3083]

Beet greens tried to keel me a couple years ago. Almost succeeded...

[@VegetaPrinceOfSaiyans]

Reduce the overall concentration of what?

[@karrskarr]

@@VegetaPrinceOfSaiyans 'Oxalates' that are found in vegetables They are sharp crystals that forms a variety of salts, for example sodium oxalate, and the is main cause of kidney stones. worth googling oxalates for exact data!

[@tonyhancock3559]

epicatchin blocks myostatin right? but also harms thyroid?

[@DrAJ_LatinAmerica]

Interesting. I remain sceptical for any short term, non controlled (no lock and key) study. Variations in diets and probably medications.

[@Joshy2J-TG]

I've been consuming cocoa powder and cacao nibs for a few years. I typically consume about 10g a day. Considering that it highly caloric, I consider it at the minimal, a neutral food that at least doesn't cause any harm, especially when compared to processed chocolate. Just because something doesn't have a clear positive effect, would it be reasonable to compare it to other foods that do have a negative impact, and would it then be fair to say it a positive step to switch to?

[@Joshy2J-TG]

Highly calorically dense* but micronutrientally packed also

[@Justanotherrando-ny3vr]

Hi physionic, off topic. Do you look at supplement brands and see if the things they are boasting about are as good as they make it out to be? I ask this because there is a brand called "pureway-c" who boasts about there vitamin c being better than just normal vitamin c from other supplements and (I believe)actual food.

[@kamanashisroy]

Talking about the mitochondrial shape/morphology, I wonder how AI could detect mitochondrial-health just by looking at the image of the biopsy/blood.

[@joecaner]

I resent the implication that Dr. Michael Greger is full of broccoli. He's actually full of beans and cocoa.

[@ulastanistanbul]

I like your video effects. Timely and entertaining. Please keep up the great work 🙏

[@kamanashisroy]

Does it reduce the benefit of exercise/fasting ? What about Nrf2 and inflammation ?

[@anatta467]

polyphenols are magical

[@jamilaad5387]

Congratulations for you Smartness and intelligence 👍

[@swites]

I hope its right because I love my normal cocoa!

[@ericmoore5408]

Isnt this do to the high Epicatechin content?

[@tamer6893]

Yes it does according to studies

[@markolaketic7283]

So how much shod i teke

[@mballer]

There are also studies on cocoa and eyesight. How might they be related?

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

So does this mean we can eat Cocoa Puffs?

[@janalderton8644]

Consumer Labs had a wide range of chocolate products tested for heavy metals and flavonols. Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate is very low in heavy metals as is the supplement CocoaVia. The mycotoxin question is important.

[@KasKade7]

Teaspoon of Instant decaf coffee + cocoa powder is a great tasty drink with little calories. Should not break fast at least when under 50 calories. Also you get double benefits.

[@unou12die]

Don't break fast if under 5 calories*

[@KasKade7]

@@unou12die Some say 0, some 5, some 50. Depending on the study.

[@unou12die]

I suppose 5 is just what I've gone with, I've never heard 50. Well maybe 50 over a day?

[@tamer6893]

Not sure if hot beverage temperature breaks the flavanol of cocoa though

[@tamer6893]

@@unou12die ​ it depends mainly on the lipids, proteins and carbs content more than the calories, because breaking fast means having an insulin spike. And since only carbs and proteins cause a glucose spike, i would suppose that you need your drink to be less than 5 kcal equivalent of carbs and proteins but not fat.

[@D56t37-cu7ol]

I'm a big fan. Recently I saw a video about findings from Consumer Reports about the level of cadmium in most cocoa / chocolate.... I was pretty convinced that long term intake would cause an accumulation of cadmium that would be a detriment to health. I've read that our "natural defense" against heavy metal accumulation in general is glutathione ... It seamed like another good reason to take a GLYNAC supplement, besides being old (I'm old) . It would be interesting to see more about that. Especially since "big medicine" has made the whole topic of heavy metal accumulation in our tissues (like lead in our bones) a TABOO... Somewhat Demonized as quackery..

[@beautifulrose8619]

I have been shopping and trying to find natural, unfiltered cocoa. No brands says unfiltered. Is there another term used for unfiltered?

[@galpd145]

Morning , could you do the latest study that fish oil supplements may raise the risk of stroke. The report was just posted by CNN. This could be huge!

[@zealman79]

Up and Go is a brand of flavoured milk in New Zealand. true story

[@sheilam4964]

Could the caffeine in the cocoa powder be responsible for the increased/improved physical abilities.

[@Physionic]

Great question, and a great thought - it's possible that's a contributor, depending on what the placebo contains.

[@sheilam4964]

@@Physionic - Right. I wonder Why the placebo wasn't mentioned. In order to provide transparency it would be listed so the study could be be replicated, wouldn't it?

[@tamer6893]

It's mainly the epicatechine apparently according to some studies

[@pathanada4957]

Cacao pods are not brown even when very ripe. Fresh cacao seeds are not brown, they are sort of beige.

[@toddhostetler6552]

The issue with hucksters is they make it sound like you can just eat some chocolate, and you will improve. Of course, that’s not what the study outcomes shows. Good on you for producing this content.

[@loganwolv3393]

Despite all of this, cocoa is still one of the go to foods that actually stand out. It's one of the few fruits that has both theobromine and caffeine in it, although caffeine is in not so significant ammounts, but honestly it does give me a small boost in energy after i drink it so i think the ammounts of theobromine are actually significant.

[@tamer6893]

and phenethylamines too, which explain the aphrodisiac and "high" effect it gives, especially when you take high dose like 50 g of dark 90% chocolate 😂

[@chasingshangrila]

Nic is the best! Love the knowledge and sarcasm.

[@dazone705]

Just posted a comment that doesn't show up

[@edvedder7835]

Isn't there evidence supporting it's use for decreasing BP?

[@larrygee8029]

What is your analysis that chromosome #2 has been intentionally clipped or altered to reduce our life spans from many hundreds of years to about 120 years?

[@laurentiurudeanu4102]

Any comments on the claimed increase in stem cells associated with cocoa consumption ? There was a recent study on that. Thanks.

[@tamer6893]

do you have the link of the study please ?

[@Petunia-fl9lu]

I can't listen to him, but did he talk about the heavy metals in chocolate?

[@littlevoice_11]

We can rely on Physionics to spill the cacao beans

[@1armmanny]

Thanks for all you do

[@jp7357]

just want to say i LOVE being an “insider” thanks Nic.

[@Physionic]

Thanks! Hoping to improve it even further starting in a couple of months... :-)

[@myscreen2urs]

There needs to be a study find in mega does. I drink a lot more then 5 grams of pure cocoa each night

[@ritamargherita]

First to comment? That's very exciting! Gotta eat some chocolate to celebrate! 🎉

[@sgill4833]

What about everyone saying that pistachios increase stem cells.

[@myrrhsolace5875]

Cocoa is good fo….I’M THERE.

[@SG-4u]

I was eating sooo much dark chocolate and thinking it was healthy for me before I learned how much cadmium and lead it contains. Too bad we can’t have healthy things like chocolate and fish without poisoning them with environmental pollution.

[@neandrewthal]

I consume around 1 tsp of Hershey's cocoa powder in my shakes and oats every day because I like it. I don't want it to have health benefits because then if I ever stop it will...un-benefit me.