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Beyond Bioavailability — What Research Shows About Flavanols' Effectiveness

Beyond Bioavailability — What Research Shows About Flavanols' Effectiveness

Update: 2025-12-22
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  • Flavanols are plant compounds in cocoa, berries, and tea with low bioavailability, meaning only a small portion enters the bloodstream
  • A new animal study found that oral flavanol doses of 25 to 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) activated the subjects' brains within minutes
  • Flavanols are a type of flavonoid within the polyphenol family. This hierarchy clarifies their differences and explains why foods have unique combinations that offer specific health benefits
  • If you choose cocoa flavanol supplements, don't fall for flashy marketing; whenever possible, stick to a nutritious food-first approach
  • Along with consuming flavanol-rich foods, pairing them with regular physical activity and a nutrient-dense, plant-focused diet helps support long-term brain health and cardiovascular resilience
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Beyond Bioavailability — What Research Shows About Flavanols' Effectiveness

Beyond Bioavailability — What Research Shows About Flavanols' Effectiveness

Dr. Joseph Mercola