Epicatechin, found in plants like grapes, tea, and cocoa, may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is found in green tea, chocolate, wine, grape juice, and hot cocoa. The Kuna people of Panama consume large amounts of cocoa and have fewer diseases. Epicatechin is a valuable antioxidant and may prevent skin cancer. It has also been linked to improved memory function, particularly when taken with exercise.
Epicatechin is a flavonol found in certain plants, such as grapes, tea, and cocoa. Research has indicated that consuming products that contain high levels of epicatechin may provide many health benefits. Specifically, it is believed to reduce the likelihood of many common diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Other research has shown that it is linked to alleviating symptoms caused by those very diseases. Some scientists believe that epicatechin may also help improve memory.
Since research has found associations between epicatechin consumption and good health, it is important to know where these flavonols can be found. They are higher in consumables like green tea, chocolate, and wine. They can also be found in grape juice and hot cocoa, and in small amounts in other forms of tea, such as black tea.
The benefits of epicatechin were first discovered when a scientist noticed that the Kuna people of Panama had only 10 percent of the diseases that are quite prevalent in Western society, specifically heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Upon further investigation, it was found that this group of people consumed large amounts, almost 40 cups (approximately 9.4 liters) of cocoa per week. As a result, more research was done to determine if there was a correlation between eating epicatechin-rich foods and health.
In one study, laboratory rats underwent heart surgery called coronary artery ligation. Some of the animals consumed epicatechin-containing supplements, while others did not. The researchers found that those who took the supplements had less heart damage and fewer episodes of congestive heart failure than their non-supplemented counterparts. Additionally, reduced amounts of fatty deposits and reduced degeneration of the arteries were found in animals consuming epicatechins.
Researchers are increasingly discovering that flavonols, such as epicatechin, are valuable antioxidants. One study showed how eating foods rich in epicatechins may be beneficial in preventing a variety of cancers, including skin cancer. In the case of skin cancer, they are believed to absorb cancer-causing ultraviolet rays, reducing damage to the skin.
In another laboratory study, mice with diabetes had a 50 percent mortality rate. When supplemented with epicatechins, the mortality rate improved in just a few months to 8.4 percent. The flavonol has also been linked to improved memory function. Scientists have found this to be particularly true when epicatechins are taken in conjunction with exercise. Consequently, it is believed to reduce the effects of aging on memory and learning. It can even help people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
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