Consumption of flavanol-rich dark chocolate (DC) has been shown to decrease blood pressure (BP) and insulin resistance in healthy subjects, suggesting similar benefits in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Therefore, we tested the effect of DC on 24-hour ambulatory BP, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in patients with EH. After a 7-day chocolate-fre...

When inhibitory control is lacking, people are more prone to indulge in high calorie food. This research examined whether training to inhibit food-related responses renders one less susceptible to temptations of high calorie food. Trait chocolate lovers were divided into three conditions: participants either consistently inhibited responding to chocolate stimuli (chocolate/no-go condition), con...

The Food Cravings Questionnaires are the most commonly used instruments for the assessment of trait and state food craving. Chocolate is the most frequently craved food in Western societies. In the current studies, the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-reduced (FCQ-T-r) and the Food Cravings Questionnaire-State (FCQ-S) were adapted to capture strong urges for chocolate. In study 1, students (n ...

Hypertension affects one in three adults in Turkey and the United States. Only half are treated for this condition and only 10-20% is controlled. Dietary modifications such as salt restriction, moderation of alcohol drinking, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes and low in snacks, sweets, meat, and saturated fat are helpful in the treatment of hypertension. Consumption of dark cho...

Interest on Trinitario cocoa has continuously increased due to the fact that some genotypes of this group had inherited characters vigorosity from Forastero and flavor grade Criollo. The pronounced incompatibility between clones orientates research crossing with other varieties in order increase productivity beans quality. Polyphenols methylxanthines are bioactive compounds responsible for heal...