Cocoa could keep cold hands warm

COULD cocoa help people with Raynaud’s? That’s the thinking behind a new trial, which is currently recruiting patients.

Raynaud’s is a common circulatory condition in which the small blood vessels in the fingers or toes constrict in response to cold, turning white and numb, then painful and blue, before flushing red and hot upon warming.

Previous studies have shown compounds known as flavanols found in cocoa can improve blood flow and blood pressure.

In the new study , at the University of Nottingham, participants will consume four capsules containing cocoa or a placebo daily for three months. If you are aged 18 to 60 and would like to take part, please email mbxww@ exmail.nottingham.ac.uk