Scientific Insights: Exploring Info graphics and Clinical Studies
Beyond skin health, improve your overall health & wellness
The three distinct ingredients in Cacao Bella™ are each independently backed by clinical trials that define outcomes and their timing. Most benefits are evident within 4 weeks when enjoying 1 - 2 Cacao Bella™ dark chocolate bars per day, but with continued use, the impact becomes even more pronounced. However, if you have a medical condition, are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, or have any questions before use, we suggest consulting your trusted medical practitioner for advice.
AstaReal® Astaxanthin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote skin elasticity after 8 weeks.
Immune Function
https://www.astareal.se/benefits-of-astareal-astaxanthin/
Whole Body Benefits
https://astaxanthin.net/pages/videos.html
The effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and peroxidation reactions in the aqueous humor.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4933686/
Hashimoto H, Arai K, Hayashi S, Okamoto H, Takahashi J, Chikuda M. The effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and peroxidation reactions in the aqueous humor. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016 Jul;59(1):10-5. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.15-137. Epub 2016 May 21. PMID: 27499573; PMCID: PMC4933686.
The effect of aging on the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin in human aqueous humor
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8046000/
Hashimoto H, Arai K, Takahashi J, Chikuda M. The effect of aging on the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin in human aqueous humor. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2021 Mar;68(2):169-172. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.20-87. Epub 2020 Sep 17. PMID: 33879969; PMCID: PMC8046000.
Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA,Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4933686/
Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, Dikic N, Radivojevic N, Suzin-Zivkovic V, Radojevic-Skodric S, Pejic S. Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:783761. doi: 10.1155/2015/783761. Epub 2015 Jun 18. PMID: 26167194; PMCID: PMC4488511.
Effects of astaxanthin on antioxidation in human aqueous humor.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23874063/
Hashimoto H, Arai K, Hayashi S, Okamoto H, Takahashi J, Chikuda M, Obara Y. Effects of astaxanthin on antioxidation in human aqueous humor. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2013 Jul;53(1):1-7. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.13-16. Epub 2013 May 18. PMID: 23874063; PMCID: PMC3705160.
VERISOL® DELIVERS UNMATCHED BENEFITS HOLISTIC BEAUTY AND WELLBEING THROUGH HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS
VERISOL® provides multiple benefits with the daily and effective low dose of 2.5 grams* VERISOL®.
How VERISOL® Works
First – VERISOL® is ingested orally, where it is absorbed and distributed through the blood stream where it reaches the target cells (fibroblasts, for example, in skin). VERISOL® offers high bioavailability. Once reaching the target, VERISOL® stimulates the cells via receptor interaction, to produce more extra-cellular matrix including collagen and other components such as elastin, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, etc. VERISOL® provides unmatched bioactivity.
Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Increases Dermal Matrix Synthesis
https://karger.com/spp/article-abstract/27/3/113/295769/Oral-Intake-of-Specific-Bioactive-Collagen?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
https://karger.com/spp/article-abstract/27/1/47/295741/Oral-Supplementation-of-Specific-Collagen-Peptides?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness
https://www.nutrafoods.eu/index.php/nutra/article/view/9/6doi/10.1111/jocd.12393
Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.12393
Cacao polyphenols from cocoa beans
Cocoa extract refers to the bioactive compounds found in cocoa products. These compounds include flavanols, procyanidins and (-)-epicatechin. Though these molecules are not unique to cocoa, cocoa extract contains a particularly high level of (-)-epicatechin, compared to other plant products.
Preliminary research suggests (-)-epicatechin may also provide benefits for longevity by increasing blood flow and oxygenation in the brain. Though this effect has not been linked to improved memory or cognitive performance, it may play a protective role during aging. Some evidence also suggests (-)-epicatechin can help mitigate the effects of impaired mitochondria.
When (-)-epicatechin is absorbed by the body, it activates an insulin signaling pathway, which causes a mild increase in glucose uptake. Increased glucose uptake means the body is able to take in sugar from the blood more effectively. Supplementing (-)-epicatechin also increases the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. Human studies have shown that cocoa extract may have several benefits for skin health, including:
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects
In vivo studies have shown that cocoa has these effects when consumed orally.
- Protection from UV radiation
One study found that consuming cocoa flavanols orally for 12 weeks more than doubled the minimal erythema dose (MED) of UV-B. Another study found that a daily supplement of cacao extract may reduce UV-induced skin aging and protect against wrinkles.
- Improved blood flow and circulation
A study from Germany found that regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa increases dermal blood flow and oxygen saturation. This can help keep skin cells nourished and maintain youthful skin.
FDA Health Claim: On Feb. 3rd, 2023 the FDA ap proved a qualified health claim stating that “Cocoa Flavanols in High Flavanol Cocoa Powder May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease”.
- Improved skin hydration The vasodilatory activity of flavanols can improve skin microcirculation and thermoregulation, which can lead to better skin hydration.
Cocoa Bioactive Compounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health
Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Di Renzo L, De Lorenzo A, Olarte HH, Micali G, Cicero AF, Gonzalez S. Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients. 2014 Aug 11;6(8):3202-13. doi: 10.3390/nu6083202. PMID: 25116848; PMCID: PMC4145303.
HOLISTIC BEAUTY AND WELL-BEING THROUGH HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477097/
Shay J, Elbaz HA, Lee I, Zielske SP, Malek MH, Hüttemann M. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of (-)-Epicatechin and Other Polyphenols in Cancer, Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegeneration. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:181260. doi: 10.1155/2015/181260. Epub 2015 Jun 9. PMID: 26180580; PMCID: PMC4477097.
Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622089672
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-flavanol cocoa supplementation would improve the moderately photo-aged facial skin of female participants, by assessing skin wrinkles and elasticity.
Methods: We performed a 24-wk, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of cocoa flavanols on cutaneous photo-aging. All participants were moderately photo-aged Korean women with visible facial wrinkles (age range: 43–86 y). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo beverage or cocoa beverage that contained 320 mg total cocoa flavanols/d. We measured wrinkles, skin elasticity, and hydration at baseline and at 12 and 24 wk. The primary endpoint was the mean percentage change in the average roughness value (Rz) at 24 wk.
Results: At 24 wk, the mean percentage change in Rz (primary endpoint) was significantly lower in the cocoa group than in the placebo group (–8.7 percentage points; 95% CI: –16.1, –1.3 percentage points; P = 0.023). The mean percentage changes in gross elasticity, as determined by a cutometer, also differed between the groups at 12 wk (9.1 percentage points; 95% CI: 1.5, 16.7 percentage points; P = 0.020) and 24 wk (8.6 percentage points; 95% CI: 1.0, 16.2 percentage points; P = 0.027). However, there were no significant differences in skin hydration and barrier integrity between the 2 groups.
Conclusions: In moderately photo-aged women, regular cocoa flavanol consumption had positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Cocoa flavanol supplementation may contribute to the prevention of the progression of photo-aging. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00260097.
Keywords: cocoa; flavanol; photo-aging; skin; wrinkle Hyun-Sun Yoon, Jong Rhan Kim, Gyeong Yul Park, Jong-Eun Kim, Dong Hun Lee, Ki Won Lee, Jin Ho Chung,
Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial123,
The Journal of Nutrition,
Volume 146, Issue 1,
2016,
Pages 46-50,
ISSN 0022-3166,
https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.217711.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622089672
Abstract: Background: The consumption of dietary antioxidants is considered to be a good strategy against photo-aging.
Chocolate and Skin: The Impact of an Insatiable Indulgence
https://journals.lww.com/idoj/fulltext/2022/13060/chocolate_and_skin__the_impact_of_an_insatiable.26.aspx#:~:text=%5B910%5D-.Cocoa%20and%20skin,the%20additives%20%20%5BTable%202%5D
Cocoa Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits for Human Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3488419/
Andújar I, Recio MC, Giner RM, Ríos JL. Cocoa polyphenols and their potential benefits for human health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:906252. doi: 10.1155/2012/906252. Epub 2012 Oct 24. PMID: 23150750; PMCID: PMC3488419.