Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa and cocoa products that may have a range of circulatory health benefits. Mars scientists have conducted and supported research on cocoa flavanols for years.

Flavanols found in cocoa have been shown to:

• Improve blood vessel function and increase blood flow
• Reduce tendency of blood clots to form
• Reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension
• Increase blood flow to the brain, which could have important implications for learning and memory

The process of turning cocoa into chocolate can destroy the naturally occurring flavanols. Mars has developed a manufacturing process called Cocoapro® that helps to retain these compounds. Today, some Mars products (Such as Dove®) contain verifiable levels of flavanols.

See Mars Botanical for more information about flavanols and the Cocoapro® process.