Just like wine lovers were quick to justify their wine consumption with the studies indicating that resveratrol, the compound found in red wine, had health-protective benefits, chocolate lovers now also have studies to support the consumption of their favorite treat. Cocoa is especially rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that has been associated with blood-pressure-lowering properties. If you have a high blood pressure, which is defined by a pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, you may be tempted to use hot cocoa to get it under control.
Cocoa and Blood Pressure
A 15-year scientific study, published in the February 2006 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," examined the relationship between cocoa intake, from any cocoa-based foods, and blood pressure in 470 elderly men. The study found that the group consuming the most cocoa had lower blood pressure. Although their blood pressure was only 2 to 3 mmHg lower compared to the group of men consuming the lowest amount of cocoa, this was enough to reduce their risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases or any other causes by 45 to 50 percent.
Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is one of many ways to increase your intake of flavonoids, the antioxidant that gives cocoa its blood-pressure-lowering properties. However, the concentration of cocoa will vary greatly depending on how you prepare your hot cocoa. For example, only 25 percent of sweetened cocoa powder is cocoa, while 100 percent of unsweetened cocoa powder is cocoa. Most commercially prepared cocoa drinks are only 1.5 percent cocoa. Make your own hot cocoa using unsweetened cocoa powder to get the most flavonoids and benefit your blood pressure.
Amount Needed
In the study published in the February 2006 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," men who consumed the most cocoa and had the lowest risk of dying from all-cause mortality consumed an average of 4.2g of cocoa a day, which is the equivalent of either 10g of dark chocolate or about 1 tbsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder. However, these numbers are drawn from an observational study and intervention trials are required to confirm the benefits of cocoa and the exact amount of cocoa needed to lower blood pressure. As of July 2011, cocoa and cocoa-based foods are not currently recommended as a treatment option for high blood pressure and you should follow your doctor's advise if you are hypertensive.
Special Considerations
To boost your flavonoid intake and improve your chances of lowering your blood pressure by drinking hot cocoa, it is best to prepare your own with unsweetened cocoa powder. Commercially prepared hot cocoa powder and hot cocoa prepared in a coffee shop are likely to contain more salt and more sugar, two nutrients that could have a bad effect on your blood pressure. Keep in mind that if you add a daily cup of hot cocoa to your diet, it should replace another treat or snack that you would usually have to prevent increasing your calorie intake and making you gain weight. In addition, your health care provider should monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis.
References
- National Lung Heart and Blood Institute: What is High Blood Pressure?
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Cocoa Intake, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Mortality; Brian Buijsse, et al.; February 2006
- "Hypertension"; Cocoa Reduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Hypertensives; Davide Grassi, et al.; July 2005
