So cocoa powder does work!

Hello

Sorry I did not do an update last weekend, I was in bed with a stomach upset.

I am pleased to tell you, that the cocoa powder continues to work, I have a clear brain all the time!

It doesn't however help with brain dysfunction like concentration, and connections in the brain, but this could come!

I have had several emails from Green and Blacks, they state that although they have not done any research in the health benefits of cocoa powder, they have given me the following information.


'I was pleased to read that you have been noting some positive effects of the Cocoa Powder. As I have mentioned before, we have not conducted research into the possible links between ME and cocoa powder. Therefore, I am unable to offer any further insight into why this may be having a positive effect on you.

I can, however, offer some insight into the composition of the product, which may help. I attach nutritional information for this product. You will note that this is 100% cocoa powder, with no added sugar.

Flavanols, which are antioxidants, also occur naturally in cocoa beans.

There are many factors which influence these antioxidant levels such as
the fermentation and roasting of a bean, which will affect the levels of Polyphenols (the group that flavanols fall into) and influence flavour development. The colour change from purple to brown when fermenting and roasting a bean properly is one very visible sign of the chemical changes that can occur in phytochemicals.

Due to the complexities of testing, it is very difficult to obtain an
accurate level of flavanols, so we have tested for Polyphenols through
an independent laboratory. We received the following results:

G&B's Organic
Dark 70% Chocolate: 2.2%
Total Polyphenols

G&B's Organic
Milk Chocolate: 0.5%
Total Polyphenols

G&B's Organic
Fairtrade Cocoa Powder: 4% Total
Polyphenols

G&B's Organic
Dark 85% Chocolate: 2.3%
Total Polyphenols

You will note that the Cocoa Powder compares favorably with other products in our range, as this product has a higher percentage of cocoa.

I hope this may offer further insight, and once again I am sorry that we
cannot help you in determining why you are feeling positive effects from
this product. I will continue to follow your blog with interest,
however, and hope that these positive effects will continue.'


On another note, I was as many ME people would be, keen to see how are benefits system is due to change.

Having read the webcam transcript, disability living allowance stays the same. I think as a whole it is a good thing, and gets those that can get back to work, back to work, I also hope it will help to improve the lives that are more severely affected, through support, time will tell.

Miriam