Dark Chocolate And Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate has been revealed to have some effect on reducing hypertension, according to brand-new research.

However the Blood Pressure Association is not recommending individuals with hypertension to hurry out to buy huge bars of dark chocolate right now.

Some research studies had actually shown that dark chocolate may have a blood pressure lowering impact, however other recent studies offered conflicting results. A team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, led by Dr Karin Ried, combined the outcomes of 15 researches which had actually been performed into the results of flavanols, (compounds in chocolate which trigger extension of blood vessels), on blood pressure.

The quantity of chocolate eaten in the research studies varied from simply one piece (6g) to a whole bar (100g) a day. The results were published in the journal BMC Medicine.

What they discovered

The scientists discovered that pressure decrease seen in the integrated outcomes for people with high blood pressure depended on 5mm Hg systolic (leading number). In theory, this is a comparable reduction to the known impacts of 30 daily minutes of physical activity (4-9mm Hg). The researchers are cautious as to whether dark chocolate has long term benefits for individuals with high blood pressure and say more research is needed.

Dr Ried said: "We've found that usage can reasonably decrease blood pressure for individuals with hypertension but not for people with regular blood pressure".

She puttinged: "The practicability of chocolate or cocoa drinks as long-term treatment is doubtful. Added trials of hypertensive populations are had to elucidate whether regional nutritional routines or genetic factors influence the blood pressure-lowering effect of cocoa.".

What does the Blood Pressure Association think?

Mike Rich, Executive Director of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, stated: "This is interesting research study, which seems to indicate that consuming dark chocolate can have a moderate blood pressure lowering-effect on those who currently have high blood pressure. More research study is needed to see if this is anything more than a short-term result.

"Of course, there's nothing wrong with the occasional sweet treat, however eating too much chocolate may trigger weight gain, which in turn raises blood pressure, so we wouldn't suggest that individuals rush out to obtain giant bars of dark chocolate right now.

"If you desire to make modifications to your diet to assist your blood pressure and your waist, it's best to cut down on salt and increase the amount of fruit and veg you eat. It's shown that these dietary modifications not just lower the blood pressure of people who are currently hypertensive, however can help to avoid others establishing hypertension in the very first place.".