Dark chocolate may have a positive influence on blood pressure, according to a study at Linkoping University in Sweden. That's good news considering the statistics, according to an American Heart Association report for 2007. More than 1 million Americans will have a coronary attack this year, and almost half of those Americans will die from the attack. Medications may help prevent a serious, life-threatening condition, but dark chocolate may have similar life-saving benefits. It may not be the time to stop taking medications for high blood pressure, but the facts are in--dark chocolate may improve heart health.
Function
Eating cocoa dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. It may also help in reducing high blood pressure. The Linkoping University findings suggest that eating dark chocolate may inhibit the action of an enzyme that plays a role in balancing the body's fluids and regulating blood pressure. Researchers found that three hours after participants ate chocolate, blood pressure was 18 percent lower than before they ate the chocolate. These results were comparable to the results of taking blood-pressure lowering drugs.
Significance
For patients with high blood pressure, eating dark chocolate in moderation may prevent a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack or stroke. In the Feb. 27, 2006, edition of the "Archives of Internal Medicine," researchers found that eating as little as 2.3 grams a day can lower cardiovascular disease by 50 percent.
Identification
Dark chocolate, made with a high cocoa content, is the type of chocolate that can lower blood pressure. A study published in the July 4, 2007, edition of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that participants who consumed dark chocolate regularly had a reduction in blood pressure, but participants consuming white chocolate saw no effect on blood pressure.
Effects
Dark chocolate seems to have an impact on blood pressure when blood pressure is high. A study published in a January 2008 supplement to the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that dark chocolate reduces systolic hypertension or diastolic pre-hypertension. The chocolate did not have a significant impact on patients with a systolic blood pressure below 140 or a diastolic blood pressure below 80.
Nutritional Information
Dark chocolate contains about 230 calories per serving, which is about 41 grams. There are 117 fat calories, and 40 percent of the total calories come from saturated fat. Dark chocolate also contains iron that plays a role in blood and oxygen regulation to the heart, cells and other body tissues.
References
- American Heart Association: Know the Facts, Get the Stats 2007
- My Health News Daily: Findings: Why Dark Chocolate Is Good for Heart Health
- CBC News: Chocolate, The Bittersweet Treat
- Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
- Journal of the American Medical Association; Effects of Low Habitual Cocoa Intake on Blood Pressure and Bioactive Nitric Oxide
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