Most people don't associate chocolate and wine with blood pressure. Though most medical professionals will suggest diet and lifestyle changes instead of a bite of chocolate and a sip of wine, some research suggests the two have some heart-health benefits. The hype is associated with flavonoids, or antioxidants, found in both chocolate and red wine. According to MayoClinic.com, one piece of dark chocolate reduced blood pressure by two points in a recent study. Dark chocolate also reduced cholesterol levels in some patients as many as five points. According to MayoClinic, resveratrol found in red wine may decrease arterial clogging, blood clots and reduce cholesterol. Though scientific studies were performed on mice, no firm evidence shows wine is able to lower blood pressure in humans. Still, both ingredients' heart-healthy benefits look promising, states MayoClinic.com
Step 1
Add chocolate to your diet in moderation because of the increased fat and calories that come along with the rich, sweet treat. Eat no more than 3 oz. of dark chocolate per day. Chocolate should contain 65 percent or more of pure cocoa. A small piece of chocolate can add up to 450 calories to your daily diet. MayoClinic.com advises too much chocolate reverses the heart-health benefits by increasing weight gain, which may lead to diabetes and heart disease.
Step 2
Drink in moderation. Women should not consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day and men no more than two. The American Heart Association does not recommend American's to begin drinking for heart-health benefits. The association states other lifestyle factors including physical activity or supplements and medications such as niacin and a daily aspirin offer the same benefits that a glass of wine may offer. The association also states there is not enough evidence to prove wine lowers blood pressure.
Step 3
Exercise daily and eat a balanced and nutritious diet to lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise five days or more a week. Avoid prepackaged food with empty calories. Choose fruits and fresh vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, may also decrease blood pressure.
Tips and Warnings
- Grape juice may contain the same antioxidants as red wine.
- One alcoholic drink is equal to 12 oz. of beer, 4 oz. of wine and 1.5 oz. of liquor, advises MedlinePlus. The website warns even light drinking may lead to addiction.
Things You'll Need
- Dark chocolate containing 65 percent or more cocoa
- Red wine
- Fruits and vegetables
References
- MayoClinic.com: Small, Sweet and Healthful: A Square of Dark Chocolate a Day Offers Benefits
- MayoClinic: Another Reason to Enjoy Dark Chocolate?
- MayoClinic.com: Can Chocolate Be Good for My Health?
- MayoClinic.com: Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good For Your heart?
- MedlinePlus: Red Wine and Heart Disease
- American Heart Association: Acohol, Wine and Cardiovascular Disease
