Cocoa genome will lead to chocolate that can improve your health - Chocolate capable of fighting heart disease -
Researchers working with confectionary giant Mars are scouring the genome of the tree Theobroma cacao to find ways of enhancing the health benefits of cocoa beans produced by the plant.
Scientists took two years to unlock the genetic code of the tree and now hope to use the information it contains to improve the quality, flavour and nutritional value of the beans, which are used to produce chocolate.
They believe they can boost the levels of compounds known as flavonols in the beans. Flavonols have been found in recent research to improve blood pressure and have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
The researchers also hope to increase other health qualities that have been attributed to chocolate such as increasing brain function and combating diabetes, while also working to make the fat it contains healthier.
Dr Howard-Yara Shapiro, who is global director of plant science and research at Mars Incorporated, said: "The idea is that this is something that will become the norm – healthy fats, high levels of flavonols.
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