Goode Health Superfood Chocolate Blend Beverage Improves Indices of Peripheral Vascular Health and Blood Lipid Profile

Authors

John Kolade, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
James E. Brown, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Ario S. Moradi, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Hannah E. Nagib, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
R Matthew Brothers, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide, influenced by various factors, including elevated blood lipids and impaired blood vessel function. The underlying mechanisms are multifactorial and involve increased vascular tone and/or reduced vascular reactivity, often resulting from diminished nitric oxide bioavailability due to elevated oxidative stress and inflammation. Diets and interventions rich in ingredients with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory effects have been shown in clinical and epidemiological studies to reduce the risk of CVD and metabolic diseases. PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that a 14-day, twice-daily consumption of Goode Health LLC Moroccan Chocolate Blend (rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory properties) would improve well-validated indices of peripheral vascular function. METHODS: This preliminary dataset includes 14 individuals (5 male; age: 33±12 yr.; BMI 30±7 kg/m²) who consumed the Goode Health LLC beverage (experimental condition) and 11 individuals (6 male; age: 23±6 yr.; BMI 27±5 kg/m²) who consumed the control beverage. For each condition, measures were assessed before (pre) and 14-days following (post) consumption of either the experimental or control beverage. Blood was collected via venipuncture for lipid profile analysis. Peripheral vascular function was assessed as vasodilation in the brachial artery (flow mediated vasodilation; %FMD) in the forearm vasculature following 5-min of forearm ischemia. RESULTS: 14-days of Goode Health LLC beverage consumption reduced total cholesterol (Total-C, Pre: 176±28 vs. Post: 159±25 mg/dl, p=0.04) with a trend towards a reduction in LDL-C (Pre: 108±24 vs. Post: 98±22 mg/dl, p=0.075). %FMD was augmented following 14-days of experimental beverage consumption (Pre: 4.7±2.0 vs. Post: 5.8±2%, p=0.04). There were no differences in any of the measured variables following 14-days of consumption of the control beverage (p>0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: These data indicate a positive effect of Goode Health LLC Superfood Moroccan Chocolate Blend on indices of lipid profile and peripheral vascular function. Future studies will expand these findings in a larger cohort of individuals.

Recommended Citation

Kolade, John; Brown, James E.; Moradi, Ario S.; Nagib, Hannah E.; and Brothers, R Matthew (2025) "Goode Health Superfood Chocolate Blend Beverage Improves Indices of Peripheral Vascular Health and Blood Lipid Profile," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 17, Article 33.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/33