Lower Your Blood Pressure with Chocolate

As a self confessed chocoholic I love that chocolate is gaining a reputation as a health food. Recent research shows that dark chocolate and cocoa may aid your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Dark chocolate and cocoa contain a high amount of antioxidants called polyphenols, the same plant compounds found in red wine and green tea. With the huge selection of candy bars in our stores it is easy to forget that chocolate, like wine and tea, starts out as a natural product.

While the research on the health benefits of chocolate is still in its early stages the evidence is quickly accumulating. Dr. David Katz, an Associate Professor at Yale University, tested the blood pressure of 45 adults before and after eating dark chocolate. He found that their blood pressure dropped and blood flow improved within two hours after eating dark chocolate.

Carolyn, a friend of mine, has been concerned about the possible side effects of her blood pressure medication. She heard that Dr. Oz recommended you reach for a piece of dark chocolate when you needed a sweet treat. According to Dr. Oz, “it is one of the most powerful antioxidant rich foods on the planet and it may just be your key to optimal health”. Carolyn gave his recommendation a try and has been thrilled with the results.

At the start of this tasty experiment her blood pressure read 138/90 (pre-hypertensive). After just two weeks her blood pressure was lower and is now 122/75 (almost normal). Her doctor is considering lowering the dose of Carolyn’s medication.

Don’t reach for your favorite candy bar; a block of milk chocolate loaded with sugar will not work. You want dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. The good news is that you have to eat a small piece of dark chocolate everyday to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Studies have shown that once you stop your blood pressure goes back up.

Chocolate may put a new meaning on “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Category: Nutrition