Movember is more than moustaches, it’s a global reminder that men’s health needs attention, conversation, and early action. Behind every moustache is a message: men are dying too young, often from preventable causes.
This guide explores the origins of Movember, the real challenges men face today, and the surprising, science-backed ways cocoa can support cardiovascular, cognitive, and overall well-being.
How Movember Began (And Why the World Still Needs It)
Movember started in 2003 when two friends in Melbourne joked about reviving the moustache. Inspired by a friend’s mother fundraising for breast cancer, they turned the idea into a mission: grow moustaches and raise awareness for prostate cancer.
Thirty men joined the first challenge.
Today, Movember has nearly 6 million supporters worldwide and has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects across 20 countries (Movember Foundation, 2023).
Their 2030 goals include:
- Halving deaths from prostate and testicular cancer
- Reducing male suicide rates by 25%
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Halving severe side effects from cancer treatment
Movember is more than a charity — it’s a global movement to help men live healthier, longer lives.
The Men’s Health Crisis: What the Research Shows
1. Men die younger than women — often from preventable causes.
Worldwide, men die 5–7 years earlier than women (WHO, 2023).
2. Mental health is a major risk factor.
Men account for approximately 75% of suicide deaths (WHO, 2021; Statistics Canada, 2023).
They are also less likely to seek help or talk about emotional struggles.
3. Cancer is often detected too late.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men.
Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in men aged 15–39 (Cancer Research UK, 2023).
4. Lifestyle habits influence long-term health.
Daily movement, nutrition, stress management, and early screenings significantly improve longevity (NIH, 2022).
Movember exists to bring these issues into the light — and to spark conversations early.
Why Cocoa Belongs in the Men’s Health Conversation
(Informational only - not medical advice.)
High-cacao dark chocolate (65–90%) has been studied extensively for its potential cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.
1. Cocoa supports heart health
Research from Harvard and the NIH shows cocoa flavanols can:
- Improve blood vessel function
- Support healthy blood pressure
- Enhance circulation
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Reduce cardiovascular risk factors
A major meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015) found significant vascular benefits from regular cocoa flavanol intake.
Since heart disease remains a leading cause of early death in men, this is important information.
2. Cocoa supports mood and cognition
Cleveland Clinic reports cocoa may:
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Enhance serotonin
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Improve cognitive performance
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Support memory
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Reduce perceived stress
- Given the weight of mental health in Movember’s mission, these findings matter.
3. Cocoa is naturally rich in antioxidants
USDA data shows cocoa is one of the highest natural antioxidant foods — even higher than blueberries and green tea.
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, a factor connected to aging, inflammation, and chronic disease.
4. Lower-sugar cocoa options support metabolic health
NIH research suggests sugar-free or low-sugar cocoa formulations may:
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Improve insulin sensitivity
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Reduce inflammation
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Support healthy blood glucose
This is particularly relevant for men monitoring weight, metabolism, or energy balance.
Movember + Cocoa = A Moment for Connection
Cocoa doesn’t replace screenings or medical care.
But sharing chocolate creates a moment — a little ritual — where connection happens.
- A check-in.
- A real question.
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A safe place to talk.
Movember teaches us this: conversation leads to early action, and early action saves lives.
How to Support Men’s Health This Movember
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Encourage early detection: Prostate exams generally begin around age 50 (earlier with family history)
Monthly testicular self-exams are recommended for younger men.
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Normalize mental health conversations:
Ask questions. Listen deeply. Share openly.
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Move daily: WHO research shows even 30 minutes of movement supports physical and emotional health.
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Choose foods that support long-term well-being: Cocoa, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, lean proteins — small habits matter.
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Talk — really talk: Share what you’re learning. Share your experience. Share the moment.
This is how Movember grows.
Movember grows through conversations
small, meaningful, everyday moments that encourage men to talk, pause, and take care of themselves.
If you’d like a simple way to spark one of those moments, we curated a Movember Variety Pack, we gathered a selection of our coconut-sugar-sweetened bars alongside the no-sugar Slinky line, so every preference is included. High in cocoa content, rich in antioxidants, and crafted with intention. These bars were curated to accompany meaningful moments.
If you’d like to learn more:
References: Movember Foundation (2023). Global Men's Health Report.World Health Organization (2021–2023). Men’s Health & Suicide Data.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2022). Cocoa Flavanols Research.Cleveland Clinic (2022). Dark Chocolate & Health Benefits.National Institutes of Health (2018–2022). Cocoa & Cardiovascular Studies.USDA FoodData Central (2023). Antioxidant Profiles of Foods.Canadian Cancer Society (2024). Prostate Cancer Statistics.Cancer Research UK (2023). Testicular Cancer Facts.American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015). Meta-Analysis on Cocoa and Vascular Function.
