Chocolate Extract Diet

If you suffer from high blood pressure or have a risk for cardiovascular disease, adding foods containing chocolate extract to your diet could prove to be not only delicious, but also extremely beneficial. Remember, always consult your doctor before making changes to your diet.

Blood Pressure

In a series of studies released by "BCM Medicine" in June, 2010 it was revealed that flavonols found in copious amounts in cacao have a significant impact in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive, and even normotensive people. The reduction in systolic pressure in hypertensive patients who added approximately 1.5 oz. dark chocolate to their daily diet over the span of two weeks was about 5 mmHG, a result which is similar to results found in some blood pressure lowering medications and from daily exercise.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Chocolate, cacao and chocolate extract can be used as part of a preventative diet for heart disease. According to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," cocoa flavonoids are extremely high in antioxidants, higher, in fact, than in more well known "antioxidant" foods such as green tea, blueberries, strawberries and red wine. Antioxidants rid the body of free radicals which are byproducts of normal body function and cause cellular damage. This cellular damage is a precursor to many diseases, heart disease among them. There is also evidence that flavonols can reduce the production of inflammatory hormones. Elevated chronic inflammation in the body is an underlying symptom of atherosclerosis.

Dark vs. Milk Chocolate

Chocolate extract is a cocoa product made by percolating cacao beans in a solution of ethyl alcohol and water. It can be purchased and used for baking, but the most common dietary source is in a chocolate bar. An article published in the "Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism" notes that dark chocolate is the preferred source for cocoa flavonoids as they are found in higher concentration as compared to milk chocolate. The article also states that the positive effects of flavonoids in dark chocolate is greater due to the milk in milk chocolate, which may inhibit absorption in the intestines.

Raw Sources of Cacao

Chocolate extract is an easily accessible dietary source for cacao flavonoids, however, there is some indication that the roasting and fermentation process used in extracting the chocolate from the bean affects its medicinal potency. For the discerning consumer looking for the most highly concentrated source for antioxidants, adding an unprocessed source of cacao such as chocolate covered cacao nibs or raw cocoa beans, found in natural health food stores, could be a good choice.

Warning

While studies show a significant drop in blood pressure in hypertensive patients who add chocolate extract to their diet, never stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.