It’s not particularly intuitive… Because both of these foods contain significant amounts of caffeine, a well-known stimulant. But new science suggests both tea and chocolate may help lower your blood pressure…
Pure, snappin’ good, rich dark chocolate. Music to my sweet tooth…
It’s true – apparently. A new study by a team from the University of Surrey (UoS) (UK) suggests that naturally occurring compounds called flavan-3-ols (F-3-Os) – found in cocoa, tea, apples and grapes – may improve blood pressure and the health of our blood vessels.
‘Who’d a’ thunk it?’
… To shamelessly appropriate the trademark expression of astonishment immortalized by ventril-oquist dummy and sometime partner of Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd…
Nevertheless – I’m certain the UoS team’s findings will also come as a surprise to many faithful readers. But how does this alleged new association work?
What they did
The Surrey Team analysed data from 145 randomised, controlled studies on the issue from around the world. And were as surprised as many of us lay-folk at the outcome.
What they found
Their team’s key finding is as simple as it is profound: “Regular consumption of F-3-Os can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure.”
In some cases, the average blood pressure-lowering effects were comparable to those seen with some medications.
The takeaway
“The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” says Professor Christian Heiss, lead-author of the Study and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the UoS.
“Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of F-3-Os.”
My take
This news is particularly encouraging for folks like me who have trouble resisting treats containing dark chocolate when they show up as prominent players on buffet dessert bars. Or at parties. Or just as ‘functional’ decorations on seasonal sideboards.
Heiss’s conclusion, that, “While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, in-cluding more F-3-O-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure,” is to my sweet tooth as music is to the ear.
But I’m equally unsurprised that he cautions: “These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation…”
~ Maggie J.