Blood Theobromine Tied to Slower Biological Aging in European Cohorts

A large observational study across two European cohorts (TwinsUK and KORA) finds higher blood theobromine, a compound found in dark chocolate, cocoa, and coffee, is associated with slower biological aging—lower epigenetic age acceleration and longer telomeres—even after adjusting for caffeine and other factors. While the associations are strong, causality isn’t established, and researchers urge controlled trials before making dietary recommendations; the link was particularly notable in former smokers.