Cocoa and unripe banana flour beverages improve anthropometric and biochemical markers in overweight women: A randomised double-blind study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a functional cocoa and unripe banana flour (UBF) beverage intake on the anthropometric and biochemical markers of overweight women. Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial involved 60 female volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years. One group received a cocoa beverage (n = 30) and one group received a cocoa and UBF beverage (n = 30), for 6 weeks. The cocoa beverage showed 3.07 total g dietary fiber/serving and 29.55 mg gallic acid equivalentes/portion (GAE/portion). Cocoa and UBF beverage contained 8.48% resistant starch by weight, 4.37 g dietary fiber/full portion and 69.24 mg GAE/portion. Weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions were evaluated. Results: The UBF and cocoa beverage reduced waist circumference (-2.03 cm, P < 0.001) and the cocoa beverage reduced total cholesterol (-19.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and the LDL/HDL ratio (-0.32, P < 0.001); in addition, both beverages promoted the reduction of body fat percentage (-1.98%, P = 0.001 and -1.15%, P < 0.001 Cocoa/UPF group and Cocoa group respectively). Conclusion: The additional dietary fiber did not further improve health status.