Food products containing polyphenol(s) and L-arginine to stimulate nitric oxide

• Main Authors: Chevaux, Kati A, Schmitz, Harold H, Romanczyk, Jr., Leo J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 19.10.2004

The invention relates to products containing polyphenols and L-arginine that have a beneficial effect on the health of mammals. Foods and pharmaceuticals which contain cocoa and/or nut procyanidin(s) in combination with L-arginine are effective to induce a physiological increase in nitric oxide production in a mammal having ingested the product. A preferred food product is a confection, particularly a dark or milk chocolate containing nuts. The procyanidins may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as chocolate liquor and/or cocoa solids prepared from underfermented beans and nut skins. The L-arginine may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as nut meats, nut pastes, and/or nut flours, seeds, seed pastes, and/or seed flours, or gelatin. The beneficial health effects may include, for example, reduced blood pressure, resistance to cardiovascular disease, and anticancer activity.