An ideal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). People with higher numbers might need to modify their diets or use medications to prevent complications. Dark chocolate, the tasty confection most people consider a delicacy, has a host of heart-health benefits, and is touted as a potential hypertension remedy. Talk to your doctor about consuming a small servings of dark chocolate in conjunction with your usual prescriptions; it's likely the simplest and most pleasurable remedy you'll take.
Dark Chocolate and Flavonoids
Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavanols, a type of flavonoid or naturally occurring compound that exists in cocoa and chocolate. As a part of the polyphenol family, flavonoids are beneficial plant nutrients that help reduce your risks of developing certain diseases and illnesses by protecting the body against free radicals -- cell-damaging compounds. In an article published by the Linus Pauling Institute, Dr. Donald R. Buhler and Dr. Cristobal Miranda note that oxidative stress -- caused by free radicals -- is sometimes linked to cancer, aging, ischemic injury, atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries), inflammation and diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Effects on Blood Pressure
The flavanol content in dark chocolate positively influences vascular health by increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing your blood pressure. By making blood platelets less sticky, these substances are shown to reduce clotting and lower cholesterol as well.
Products & Servings
Choosing a quality dark chocolate product is essential to acquiring the blood-pressure-reducing benefits. Not all products are equal. Dark chocolate confections that contain other ingredients, such as nougat or caramel fillings, likely contain more sugar and fat. Dark chocolate that is extensively processed to neutralize the acidity and remove its naturally bitter taste contains fewer flavanols, and in turn holds fewer benefits. Additionally, consuming too much chocolate will only add fat to your frame and detract from your health. Although researchers have not established a beneficial serving size of chocolate, Cleveland Clinic recommends you consume moderate portions of approximately 1 oz. a few times weekly.
Considerations
Along with dark chocolate and conventional high blood pressure remedies, consider consuming other flavonoid-rich foods to promote cardiovascular health. Red wine, cranberries, blueberries, tea and apples are examples. You might also use the DASH diet -- a doctor recommended plan that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods as a means to stop hypertension. Decreasing your sodium intake is essential as well. MayoClinic.com says that 1,500 mg. of sodium daily is appropriate for people with high blood pressure.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); March 2011
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Lifestyle and Home Remedies; March 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids; Dr. Donald R. Buhler; Dr. Cristobal Miranda; November 2000
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