Chocolate, often referred to as the "food of the gods," has been found to slightly lower blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension, according to a recent analysis. This discovery highlights the potential medical benefits of this delicious treat.
German researchers, writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have revealed that dark chocolate is rich in flavonols, a class of biochemicals that positively impact the cardiovascular system. Consuming just 30 calories of dark chocolate—approximately the size of a Hershey's Kiss—not only helped lower blood pressure but also increased levels of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels.
Dr. Dirk Taubert of University Hospital in Cologne, Germany, led a study to test the hypothesis that "small, habitual" doses of dark chocolate might be beneficial. The study involved 44 adults aged 56 to 73 with untreated pre-hypertension and mild, stage 1 hypertension. Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed a daily dose of dark chocolate, while the other consumed the same amount of white chocolate. The study lasted 18 weeks.
These findings suggest that dark chocolate can be a beneficial addition to the diet of those with mild hypertension.
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum of Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan believes that dark chocolate should be considered for clinical recommendations for patients with high blood pressure who have a sweet tooth. "The best part of this study is that it allows us to give whole-hearted recommendations to those patients with high blood pressure who might have a sweet tooth," she said.
However, not all medical professionals are ready to endorse dark chocolate as a treatment. Dr. David Brown, chief of cardiovascular medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center, cautions that while many naturally occurring compounds have beneficial effects on blood pressure, dark chocolate is not yet ready to be considered a medication. "There are probably a lot of naturally occurring compounds that have beneficial effects on blood pressure, but it just so happens that this one comes packaged in dark chocolate," he said.
Dr. Stephen Green, associate director of the cardiac catheterization laboratories at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, advises patients with hypertension to continue with their prescribed medications. "I've noticed that people, especially here on Long Island, don't like the idea of having hypertension, but they're always bringing me lists of supplements and vitamins and stuff out of the health food store that they want to take," he noted.
While dark chocolate shows promise in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health, it is essential to approach its consumption with caution. Patients with hypertension should not replace their prescribed medications with dark chocolate but can consider it as a supplementary treat. As research continues, the potential health benefits of dark chocolate may become more widely recognized and accepted.
For more detailed information on the health benefits of chocolate, you can visit Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and BMC Medicine.
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