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1568035 
Journal Article 
Benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa-derived products for mental well-being: A review 
Smith, DF 
2013 
Yes 
Journal of Functional Foods
ISSN: 1756-4646 
5 
1 
10-15 
WOS:000315241500003 
This review explores the possibility that central actions of
flavanol-rich cocoa-derived products are of benefit in the prevention and treatment of mood
disorders. Flavanol-rich cocao-derived products have been studied in both neuromolecular and
psychological tests. Neuromolecular effects of flavanols in cocoa-derived products include
antioxidant, vasodilatory, anticoagulant, and antiinflammatory properties that may serve to
counteract depressive brain disorders. Psychological studies in humans have described links
between intake of flavanol-rich cocoa-derived products such as dark chocolate and improved mood,
while behavioral studies in laboratory animals have reported antidepressant effects of flavanols.
It is therefore likely that flavanol-rich cocoa-derived products such as dark chocolate may have
beneficial effects as add-on items together with traditional antidepressant regimes. (C) 2012
Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 
Mood disorders; Antidepressant; Flavanol; Natural products; Dark chocolate; Brain imaging