Abstract: A cocoa extract obtainable by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days, having a polyphenol content of more than 25% by weight, may be used in the treatment or alleviation of obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for flavouring cocoa beans, and to flavoured cocoa beans thereby obtained. In particular, the present invention provides a method for flavouring cocoa beans comprising the step of contacting dried cocoa beans with unroasted, natural flavouring plant material. Said unroasted, natural flavouring plant material preferably includes fruit and/or non-fruit plant material selected from the group comprising herbs, spices, leaves, grasses, flowers and any combinations thereof. The invention further relates to the use of flavoured cocoa beans in food products, and in particular in chocolate products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a soluble cocoa product from cocoa powder. The present invention further relates to cocoa products obtained by the present method and uses thereof. The present invention is also directed to a cocoa-derived material comprising a soluble cocoa powder and a cocoa extract, wherein said extract comprises more than 25 wt % based on the extract of polyphenols. The cocoa-derived material can be a syrup, a ready to use beverage or a powder composition. The invention also relates to uses of this cocoa-derived material for preparing carbonated beverages containing cocoa. The invention further relates to a carbonated beverage comprising said cocoa-derived material and to methods for preparing such cocoa-derived materials and beverages.

Abstract: A composition for topical application to the skin comprises a cocoa polyphenol extract in combination with an SUS-rich fat, wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of less than 15% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The composition and the extract that it contains may increase skin elasticity and thickness and/or have an anti-wrinkle effect, may cause the depigmentation of age spots, improve skin renewal and/or reduce skin dryness such as reducing discomfort of chapped hands.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of cacao polyphenols for preventing or curing a prostate hyperplasia, to a cacao polyphenol extract which also comprises, in particular lipids and/or xanthines, and to the applications of said extract in food and pharmaceutical products for treating a prostate cancer, cognitive disorders, oxidative stress and cholesterol.