Science & Technology

Scientists invent anti-ageing chocolate

By T.K. Randall
February 20, 2015 ·  14 comments

Chocolate is typically seen as an unhealthy indulgence. Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 Mohammed Moosa It might sound too good to be true, but according to scientists at Lycotec, a Cambridge University based biotech company, it is possible for chocolate to help make someone look younger.

Claimed to boost antioxidant levels and improve circulation, the anti-ageing chocolate 'Esthechoc' is designed to reduce wrinkles by increasing the blood supply to skin tissue. Even a single 7.5g bar contains the same quantity of antioxidants as a fillet of salmon.

"People using it claimed that their skin was better and we can see that the product is working to slow down ageing," said former Cambridge researcher Dr Ivan Petyaev.

"We used people in their 50s and 60s and in terms of skin biomarkers we found it had brought skin back to the levels of a 20 or 30 year old. So we've improved the skin's physiology."The product will be sold as a box containing a three-week supply of individually wrapped rations and will be made available only though upmarket beauty stores with a price tag to match.

Despite claims of its effectiveness however some experts remain skeptical about its benefits.

"There may be biological reasons to think some of the compounds may benefit some processes linked to ageing and disease but on the other hand, eating too much chocolate means more calories, which means obesity so the net effect is never clear cut," said Professor Naveed Sattar.

"These food claims need to be backed up with trials to have any genuine credibility."

Source: Telegraph | Comments (14)

Tags: Chocolate, Anti-Ageing