A chemical found in dark chocolate may help slow aging, scientists suggest.

The study looked at blood levels of theobromine, a compound found in the cocoa plant, and compared them to markers of biological aging, which show how old the body is in terms of health and function, not years of life.

While experts won’t advising people to eat more chocolate, they said the findings could help identify everyday foods that “hold clues to a healthier and longer life”.

Theobromine is a “relatively unexplored dietary phytonutrient” that has been linked to health benefits and increased longevity, the scientists said.

The analysis, carried out by experts at King’s College London, included 509 people in Britain and 1,160 people from the Kora study in Germany, KosovaPress reports.

Scientists said they found a “significant link” between blood theobromine levels and slower biological aging.

Lead scientist at King’s College London, Ramy Saad, who is also a doctor of clinical genetics, said this approach could lead to important discoveries about aging and common and rare diseases.

Jordana Bell, professor of epigenomics at King’s College London, said their study finds links between a key component of dark chocolate and looking younger for longer.

“While we’re not saying people should eat more dark chocolate, this research may help us understand how everyday foods may hold clues to a healthier, longer life.”

The scientists also tested other molecules. found in cocoa and coffee, but suggest that the effect is specific to theobromine. The team is now investigating whether the effect on biological aging is unique to theobromine or whether the compound interacts with other chemicals in dark chocolate, such as polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee.

Source: prizrenpost