A new study suggests an ingredient found in dark chocolate may be linked to staying younger for longer.
Researchers say higher levels of theobromine, a naturally occurring alkaloid in cocoa, were associated with a lower biological age in adults, according to findings published in the journal Aging.
The research analyzed biological markers tied to aging and found a measurable link between the compound and indicators of slower biological decline.
The study examined data from more than 1,600 participants, using two established methods to assess biological age rather than chronological age.
Study links theobromine to lower biological age
Researchers analyzed chemical changes in DNA and the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are commonly linked to aging and age-related disease. Participants with higher levels of theobromine in their blood consistently showed lower biological age markers.
Theobromine has previously been linked to extended lifespan in model organisms and to various health benefits in humans, according to the researchers.
“This research can help us understand how everyday foods may hold clues to healthier, longer lives,” said Professor Jordana Bell, senior author of the study and a professor of epigenomics at King’s College London, in a statement.
What is theobromine
Theobromine is a compound closely related to caffeine and is naturally present in cocoa and dark chocolate. While it is toxic to dogs, it has different effects in humans.
According to the National Cancer Institute, theobromine can stimulate the heart, widen blood vessels, and increase urine production.
Researchers stressed that the findings do not mean people should increase their chocolate intake, but instead highlight how dietary compounds may influence biological aging.
The next phase of research will focus on whether theobromine alone is responsible for the observed effects or whether it works in combination with other compounds found in cocoa.
“This is a very exciting finding, and the next important questions are what is behind this association and how we can explore the interactions between dietary metabolites and our epigenome further,” said Dr. Ramy Saad, lead researcher at King’s College London.
This comes just weeks after a study found that adding peanuts to your diet could improve your memory, certain cheeses could fend off dementia, and smelling your own farts could fight off alzheimers.
