There are certain aspects of aging we can clearly notice, like laugh lines, silver strands, and maybe a few more creaks in our knees when we stand up. But others happen quietly inside us, in ways we can’t feel from day-to-day. One of those invisible shifts is affected by something scientists are paying close attention to: a slow, steady increase in inflammation over time.
Unlike the quick flare-up that helps you heal a cut or fight off a cold, there’s a subtle kind of inflammation that simmers beneath the surface. Researchers call it “inflammaging,” a mashup of inflammation and aging. It doesn’t cause aging outright, but rather is a process that seems to tag along with it — one that’s closely linked to how our cardiovascular and immune systems function as we get older.
The good news? While scientists are still piecing together the full picture, evidence is emerging that everyday nutrients — especially certain plant-based compounds called flavanols — might help support the body’s ability to fight inflammaging. These bioactive compounds are found in foods like tea, berries, apples, and even cocoa. And in a world that’s quick to offer extreme anti-aging “solutions,” the idea that your morning cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate could play a role in your health feels refreshingly doable.
A closer look at the science
To better understand how these nutrients affect the body, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of Mass General Brigham, launched the large-scale COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS). The trial, which included more than 21,000 older adults, examined whether cocoa flavanols could support heart health and healthy aging over time.
In a recent study published in Age and Ageing, scientists tracked nearly 600 participants for two years, measuring several inflammation-related biomarkers. Those who took a daily cocoa extract supplement (containing 500 mg of cocoa flavanols) showed lower levels of C-reactive protein (hsCRP) — a well-known marker linked to inflammation — compared to those on a placebo.
While researchers stop short of saying cocoa “prevents” aging or disease, the findings are encouraging. As study author Dr. Howard Sesso explained in Neutraceuticals World, “This study calls for more attention to the advantage of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, including cocoa products rich in flavanols. It reinforces the importance of a diverse, colorful, plant-based diet, especially in the context of inflammation.”
How to put this research into practice
If you’re not sure how to get more flavanols in your diet, the COSMOS study offers a useful roadmap. The same standardized cocoa extract used in the trial is found in CocoaVia, a supplement made to deliver those flavanols in a consistent way.
You can take CocoaVia as a daily capsule or by mixing a powder into your smoothie, coffee, or oatmeal. The powder blends easily and adds a subtle, rich cocoa flavor without added sugars or dairy — perfect for anyone looking to make small, realistic changes that fit into their routine. And since flavanol levels can vary widely between chocolate or cocoa products depending on their processing, a standardized source, like CocoaVia’s, ensures you’re getting the same research-backed amount every time.
What this means for your daily habits
Of course, cocoa extract isn’t the only way to get more flavanols in your diet. Green or black tea, berries, and apples can all help support the body’s natural balance. Combine those choices with daily movement, good sleep, and mindfulness practices to build a well-rounded approach to aging well.
Inflammaging may be one of the hidden forces at work as we get older, but we don’t just have to accept it. Supporting your body’s equilibrium can start with something as simple as a daily cup, scoop, or spoonful — proof that sometimes, the smallest habits have the biggest impact.
Try CocoaVia’s Cocoa Flavanol Supplements
For a limited time, you can enjoy an extra 20 percent off on single, bulk, or subscription purchases of CocoaVia. Just use promo code KCM2025 at checkout.*
CocoaVia Cardio Health Capsules
CocoaVia
Formulated with the same 500 mg of cocoa flavanols tested in the COSMOS study, CocoaVia’s Cardio Health supplement offers an easy, daily way to support healthy circulation and heart function. Made with the proprietary Cocoapro® extract, it’s 100 percent plant-based and non-GMO — delivering research-backed cocoa nutrients in a capsule form.
CocoaVia Cardio Health Powder
CocoaVia
For anyone who prefers to skip capsules, CocoaVia’s Cardio Health supplement also comes in a powder version. The rich, dark-chocolate flavor is a delicious addition to your daily routine: Stir a scoop into your morning coffee, add it to a smoothie, or mix it into oatmeal or yogurt. It’s a simple, tasty way to get the same cocoa flavanol support as the capsule formula, no pill required.
*This offer is valid until December 31, 2025, on any single, bulk, or subscription order of CocoaVia products sold at cocoavia.com; Limited to one use per e-mail.
The information provided on this site isn’t intended as medical advice, and shouldn’t replace professional medical treatment. Consult your doctor with any serious health concerns.
