Food compositions that enhance nitric oxide mediated signalling

Abstract

The invention comprises compositions and methods for improving exercise performance, reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery of muscle tissue after exercise. One method includes administering a composition of a plant-derived nitrate and a cocoa-derived product daily and before exercise. The synergistic combination of nitrate and cocoa polyphenols acts to improve exercise performance and to improve recovery from a strenuous exercise bout.

1 .- 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of improving exercise performance, reducing muscle fatigue, or improving post-exercise recovery comprising:
 a.) providing a food product comprising 100-200 mg of a plant-derived nitrate as an extract of a plant material and 2 to 5 g of cocoa powder, or the equivalent amount of a flavanol-containing cocoa solids product, where the cocoa is not treated with alkali conditions during processing into cocoa powder or cocoa solids;   b.) administering the food product daily to a subject, wherein a maximum of 200 mg of the plant-derived nitrate and a maximum of 5 g of the flavanol-containing cocoa are administered per day; and   c.) administering the food product 3 to 4 hours prior to a first exercise period, whereby the subject's ability to generate nitric oxide after the first exercise period is improved over that possible when solely a nitrate is administered or solely a cocoa product is administered prior to exercise.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the cocoa powder is present at approximately 2.5 to 5 g, or the equivalent amount of cocoa solids is present. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the cocoa solids comprise a chocolate liquor, a cocoa bean extract, a low fat cocoa powder, a defatted cocoa powder, or a non-fat cocoa powder. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the plant-derived nitrate is selected from one or more of beet, rhubarb, arugula, hawthorne, or other nitrate-rich fruit or vegetable or extracts thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein a second exercise period is within 3 hours of the first exercise period, and whereby performance in the second exercise period is improved. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein exercise performance is measured by one or more of V02 max level, power output, peak ventilation, or anaerobic threshold. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the plant-derived nitrate is supplied as beet juice or a beet root extract and the cocoa powder is present at about 2.5 to 5 grams. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the food product is selected from the group consisting of: a beverage; a gelled or starch-based product; a solid food product; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the plant-based nitrate is selected from the group consisting of: a vegetable juice; an herb juice; a vegetable juice powder; an herb juice powder, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the cocoa solids are selected from the group consisting of: an extract or powder from unfermented cacao beans; an extract or powder from under-fermented cacao beans; an extract of cacao beans; low fat cocoa powder; a non-fat cocoa powder; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         35 . A method of enhancing nitric oxide signaling of a human comprising:
 a.) providing a food product in a single dose comprising 100-200 mg of a plant-derived nitrate as an extract of a plant material and 2 to 5 g of cocoa powder, or the equivalent amount of a flavanol-containing cocoa solids product, where the cocoa is not treated with alkali conditions during processing into cocoa powder or cocoa solids;   b.) administering the food product daily to a subject, wherein a maximum of 200 mg of the plant-derived nitrate and a maximum of 5 g of the flavanol-containing cocoa are administered per day.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the cocoa powder is present at approximately 2.5 to 5 g, or the equivalent amount of cocoa solids is present. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the cocoa solids comprise a chocolate liquor, a cocoa bean extract, a low fat cocoa powder, a defatted cocoa powder, or a non-fat cocoa powder. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the plant-derived nitrate is selected from one or more of beet, rhubarb, arugula, hawthorne, or other nitrate-rich fruit or vegetable or extracts thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the plant-derived nitrate is supplied as beet juice or a beet root extract and the cocoa powder is present at about 2.5 to 5 grams. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the food product is selected from the group consisting of: a beverage; a gelled or starch-based product; a solid food product; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the plant-based nitrate is selected from the group consisting of: a vegetable juice; an herb juice; a vegetable juice powder; an herb juice powder, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the cocoa solids are selected from the group consisting of: an extract or powder from unfermented cacao beans; an extract or powder from under-fermented cacao beans; an extract of cacao beans; low fat cocoa powder; a non-fat cocoa powder.