Cocoa is a food that can help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness, according to various scientific studies, such as a recent investigation carried out by the University of Surrey published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
“The new research from Surrey reduces concerns that cocoa as a treatment for high blood pressure might pose health risks by lowering blood pressure when it is not elevated,” the study report states.
The beneficial effect of cocoa on heart health is associated with its richness in flavanols.
The Harvard School of Public Health explains that flavanols are plant chemicals that support the production of nitric oxide in the endoletium (the inner cell lining of blood vessels) which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which lowers blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood that pushes against the walls of the arteries when the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure indicates that the force of the blood flowing through the blood vessels is constantly too high.
In the study conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey they found that cocoa flavanols they only lower blood pressure if it is elevated.
Eleven healthy participants consumed, on alternate days, six cocoa flavanol capsules or six placebo capsules containing brown sugar.
The researchers found that blood pressure and arterial stiffness were only reduced in participants if it was high, and there was no effect when the blood pressure was low in the morning.
Effects on blood pressure were also identified eight hours after cocoa consumption. The researchers believe that this second peak may be due to how bacteria in the gut metabolize cocoa flavanols.
“The positive impact that cocoa flavanols have on our cardiovascular system, in particular, the blood vessel function and blood pressure is undeniable,” said Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey.
“High blood pressure and arterial stiffness increase a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, so it is crucial that we investigate innovative ways to treat such conditions,” added Heiss.
If you want to add some chocolate to your healthy diet, consider that dark chocolate contains up to 2-3 times more solids than cocoa rich in flavonoids than milk chocolate.
Nutritionists recommend opting for dark chocolate at 70 % or more s to get the most flavanols.
The American Association notes that when left untreated, the damage high blood pressure causes to the circulatory system is a major contributing factor to heart attack, stroke, and other health threats.
You can lower your blood pressure by changing lifestyle habits and taking medication if necessary. Changes include eating a heart-healthy diet and reducing salt intake.
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