Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, and if you eat a small amount of dark chocolate on a regular basis, it can help reduce your blood pressure. Learn about the pros and cons of dark chocolate as a health food, how much dark chocolate is good for you and how much is too much.
Antioxidants
Flavonoid-rich foods, such as red wine, tea and certain fruits, are well-known to reduce blood pressure and assist in insulin regulation. Dark chocolate is being recognized as another important source of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. In fact, a daily square of dark chocolate may have more of a positive effect on blood pressure than the amount of antioxidants in five tomatoes.
Dark Chocolate
When it comes to antioxidants, the darker the chocolate, the better. Milk chocolate lacks the rich amounts of antioxidants of dark chocolate. Shop for dark chocolate that contains at least 30 percent cocoa solids. Avoid chocolate that contains significant amounts of sugar, fat and milk, as these products do not contain healthful amounts of antioxidants.
Healthy Servings
Data is mixed on the indicated serving sizes for healthy amounts of dark chocolate. One study found that one serving of 30 g of dark chocolate a week is protective against heart failure, whereas three to six servings a week may increase your risk of heart failure. Another study found that a dose of 50 mg of dark chocolate each day improved blood pressure. Approximately 30 g of dark chocolate weekly appears to be beneficial.
Cautions
Dark chocolate may be healthy for you in small, measured amounts as long as it works within your daily calorie allotment. Choose the darkest chocolate you can find. Remember that dark chocolate can be a healthy contribution to a plan that includes healthy eating and regular exercise. Never substitute dark chocolate for blood pressure medication prescribed by your physician. Talk to your doctor about the best approach to reduce your risk of heart problems.
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