Effect of consumption of cocoa paste (Theobroma cacao L.) on anthropometric and clinical indicators in university students

University students are vulnerable to developing metabolic syndrome, due to the low consumption of foods with bioactive properties. Cocoa paste containing phenols (CPCP) may prevent it. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of consuming 1 g of cocoa paste for 4 weeks on anthropometric indicators, body composition, blood pressure and heart rate in university students. The population consisted of 7 men and 13 women. In the post-test measurement, students had the best result in weight (74.4-72.3 kg), BMI (26.0-25.2 kg/m2) and WC (85.5-83.5 cm), and in the body composition, only in the percentage of fat mass (62.3-60.9 %) there were significant differences (p>0.05). CPCP consumption in females decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure (107.0 vs 100.0, p=0.023) and (76.0 vs 71.0, p=0.007) respectively. CPCP has a protective effect and may exert a preventive function.