Effect of High Cocoa Content Chocolate on Health in Postmenopausal Women.

• Objective: To assess the effect at 6 months of the additional intake of 10 g/day of high cocoa content chocolate for 6 months on blood pressure, vascular function, body composition, quality of life and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women.
• Design and setting: A randomized clinical trial of two parallel groups. Population: 140 postmenopausal women, 50 to 64 aged will be included, selected by consecutive sampling in two primary care centers.
• Measurements and intervention: Vascular function (blood pressure, augmentation index and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index), body composition and health-related quality of life will be evaluated. The intervention group will receive a daily supplement of high cocoa content chocolate for 6 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Women in postmenopausal period defined as 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea.

Exclusion criteria

• Older than 65 years.
• Cardiovascular disease (acute myocardial infarction, stroke).
• Arterial hypertension on treatment.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Dyslipidemia (total cholesterol >250 mg/dL or in lipid-lowering therapy).
• Clinically demonstrable neurological and/or neuropsychological disorders.
• Hormone replacement therapy.
• Allergy and/or intolerance to cocoa or any of the components of the supplement.
• Hypocaloric diet.
• Any other circumstance that the investigators consider could interfere with the study procedures.