nouxx Calm Choco contains fat-reduced cocoa powder.
A chocolate drink starts with cocoa. In nouxx Calm Choco, it gives the luteal-phase formula its chocolate flavour, without added sugar. It is one part of a drink that also contains magnesium, calcium and the shared Cycle Routine baseline.
What is in cocoa powder?
Cocoa comes from the seeds of Theobroma cacao. The powder contains cocoa solids, including naturally occurring plant compounds called flavanols. It also contains theobromine and some caffeine.[1]
Raw cacao, natural cocoa and fat-reduced powder
These terms describe different aspects of the ingredient. Raw cacao generally refers to cocoa made without the usual roasting step. Natural cocoa has not been alkalised. Dutch-processed cocoa has been treated with alkali to change its colour and flavour. Fat-reduced describes the amount of cocoa butter removed during pressing.[2]
Bean origin and processing both influence the final powder. The word raw alone does not tell you its flavanol content. Calm Choco uses fat-reduced cocoa powder.
What does the research tell us?
A systematic review of nine studies found that cocoa-rich products may improve mood in the short term. Most studies assessed a single serving or a few days of intake.[3] The small number of participants and short study durations limit the conclusions. The products and portions studied matter when interpreting the findings.
The useful distinction is between enjoying cocoa as a food ingredient and taking a standardised cocoa extract. Studies using a measured flavanol dose cannot establish the same effect for a powder whose flavanol content has not been measured.
Why cocoa belongs in Calm Choco
Cocoa gives the formula its chocolate character. The other ingredients have their own roles, explained in our articles on magnesium and calcium. Together, they form the Calm Choco part of the three-phase nouxx Cycle Routine.
Use the sachet according to the pack instructions. If you are sensitive to caffeine or notice that cocoa triggers reflux, choose the timing that suits you and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Explore nouxx Cycle Routine and its three formulations.
References
[1] Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Flavonoids. Micronutrient Information Center.
[2] From Cocoa to Chocolate: Effect of Processing on Flavanols and Methylxanthines and Their Mechanisms of Action. 2022. Full text.
[3] Fusar-Poli L, Gabbiadini A, Ciancio A, et al. The effect of cocoa-rich products on depression, anxiety, and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2022;62(28):7905-7916. PubMed.
