Though it’s only been a few weeks since the launch of our new Mark 6 recipe of ManaDrink Origin, we’ve already cooked up something else new and fresh. We’ve taken premium cocoa and made it part of Mark 6’s nutritionally perfect composition. The result? A drink that points to to the future of food, with a decidedly nostalgic chocolate flavor.

Everyone loves cocoa, right? There is a reason why it’s so popular, and it’s not just because it tastes great. It’s also because of the science behind it. Cocoa contains the psychoactive substance salsolinol, which binds to the dopamine receptors in your brain and is known to contribute to cravings for chocolate.

And while we’re on the topic of chemistry, it’s important to note that quality cocoa powder contains a number of healthy substances. Here’s a few whose positive effects on the body and mind have been scientifically proven.

1. Polyphenols

Cocoa powder is extremely rich in polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that offer a number of benefits. Among other things, they are anti-inflammatories, and they contribute to the maintenance of normal blood flow, blood pressure, and cholesterol and sugar levels.

2. Flavonoids

A number of studies have revealed that cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which improve the function of blood vessels and lower blood pressure thanks to their production of nitric oxide. Moreover, flavonoids are associated with the proper healing of wounds, weight loss, and reduction of insulin resistance.

3. Theobromine

Cocoa beans are the most concentrated source of theobromine - an alkaloid which, like caffeine, has stimulating effects, and thus improves concentration and the visual processing of information. Studies have also confirmed that theobromine acts as a vasodilator, which is a substance that widens blood vessels and therefore can help reduce high blood pressure.

4. Magnesium

You may not know it, but among foods, cocoa has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium in the world. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is extremely important for our health. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

5. Copper

Cocoa is one of the richest plant sources of copper. Copper is especially important for the production of red and white blood cells, as well as hemoglobin, so deficiency thereof is associated primarily with hematological diseases such as anemia. This essential mineral is also important for bone health and proper functioning of the nervous system.

6. Other essential vitamins and minerals

Cocoa is a significant source of other important minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It also contains vitamins, in particular b-group vitamins.  The most abundant of these are riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and folic acid (B9).

Together with the other health benefits brought by our latest Mark 6 recipe, this new ManaDrink with cocoa will be an undeniable treat not just for your tastebuds, but for your body as a whole.

Update: ManaDrink Choco available for purchase! Now you can eat sweet, guilt-free!

ManaDrink | Choco | Mark 6

 ____________

Sources:

[1] Franco R, Oñatibia-Astibia A, Martínez-Pinilla E. (2013) Health Benefits of Methylxanthines in Cacao and Chocolate. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820066/

[2]  Ludovici V, Barthelmes J, P. Nägele M, Enseleit F, Ferri C, J. Flammer A, Ruschitzka F, Sudano I. (2017) Cocoa, Blood Pressure, and Vascular Function.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5539137/ 

[3] Nehling A. (2013) The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575938/

[4] Weber T, Solioz M. (2014) Evaluation of chocolate as a source of dietary copper.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286146996_Evaluation_of_chocolate_as_a_source_of_dietary_copper

[5] Zheng J, Mao X, Ling J, He Q, Quan J. (2014) Low serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron as risk factors for osteoporosis: a meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24908111/