UNN reports this with reference to NewScientist .
Theobromine is a natural compound found in cocoa beans and primarily in dark chocolate. It is known to be toxic to dogs, but can be beneficial to humans.
A team of scientists led by Rami Saad examined the relationship between blood theobromine levels and biological age in 500 women participating in the long-term TwinsUK . It turned out that higher blood theobromine levels correlated with lower biological age.
“This means that a person looks and functions younger at a cellular level than their passport age indicates,” explains researcher Jordana Bell.
To confirm the results, the scientists analyzed another independent study from Germany — KORA — which included more than 1,000 people. And they also found a similar pattern there.
The unique feature of this study is the use of real biomarkers in the blood instead of surveys. This allowed for a more accurate assessment of the impact of theobromine on cellular aging. The source of the substance in the diet is mainly dark chocolate, which contains much more cocoa than milk or white chocolate.
“I wouldn’t expect to get that much theobromine from Milkybar,” joked Saad.
The study results come as cocoa bean prices soared 185% to $12,000 per ton by the end of 2024, driven by climate anomalies in West Africa. So it seems that chocolate is becoming not just a source of pleasure, but also a luxury with a potential rejuvenating effect.
