Dietary cocoa improves health of obese mice; likely has implications for humans This study used a commercially available cocoa product at a “physiologically achievable dose” — meaning its equivalent could be duplicated by humans. For people it works out to about 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder a day. Image: GettyImages fcafotodigital Dietary cocoa improves health of obese mice; likely has implications for humans Jeff Mulhollem April 13, 2021 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Supplementation of cocoa powder in the diet of high-fat-fed mice with liver disease markedly reduced the severity of their condition, according to a new study by Penn State researchers, who suggest the results have implications for people.