Research reveals potential benefits of consuming chocolate and tea for heart health enhancement and blood pressure reduction.
Chilling Out Your Heart with a Sweet-N-Healthy Combo
It's time to grab a cup of tea and a bar of dark chocolate, as a new study reveals that pairing these treats can boost your heart health! Published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the research suggests that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols, found in dark chocolate, tea, and other foods, can offer long-term cardiovascular benefits, especially for those with high blood pressure.
Flavan-3-ols, the unsung heroes, are natural compounds present in a variety of delish foods like dark chocolate, tea, apples, grapes, and berries. According to a report by Verywell Health, these compounds pack a powerful punch for health, especially in terms of cardiovascular protection.
Professor Christian Heiss, a cardiovascular medicine specialist at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, shared his enthusiasm for the findings. In individuals with high blood pressure, the reduction caused by flavan-3-ols was comparable to the effects of blood pressure medications, he said. However, for those with normal or low blood pressure, the impact was minimal.
So, what's the daily dose? The researchers found that the average intake of flavan-3-ols among participants ranged from 500 to 600 milligrams per day. That's roughly equivalent to two to three cups of tea, one or two servings of dark chocolate, two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, or two to three apples. A mix of smaller portions of these goodies, combined with fruits like grapes and pears, can also do the trick.
To see improvements in blood pressure, these foods should be consumed consistently for about four to eight weeks, according to Kevin Park, a registered dietitian at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Adding flavan-3-ol-rich foods to a balanced diet can provide meaningful cardiovascular protection in the long run.
The study analyzed data from 5,205 participants, including those with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, and healthy individuals. Across the board, the data supported the conclusion that flavan-3-ols contribute to lowering blood pressure, reinforcing the importance of dietary choices in maintaining heart health.
So, substitute your regular mug of Joe with some green tea, and indulge in that piece of dark chocolate guilt-free – your heart (and taste buds) will thank you! Just remember, a balanced diet is essential, and these heart-healthy treats should not replace medical advice.
While additional research is required, incorporating flavan-3-ol-rich foods into a healthy lifestyle may support heart health and potentially aid in managing blood pressure. Cheers to a healthier heart!
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Science suggests that Flavan-3-ols found in dark chocolate, tea, and other foods can offer long-term cardiovascular benefits, particularly for those with high blood pressure. These compounds, pack a powerful punch for health, especially in terms of cardiovascular protection. For instance, consuming flavan-3-ols consistently for about four to eight weeks can potentially lower blood pressure, reinforcing the importance of dietary choices in maintaining heart health.
Individuals can meet the daily dose of flavan-3-ols, which ranges from 500 to 600 milligrams per day, by consuming two to three cups of tea, one or two servings of dark chocolate, two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, or two to three apples, along with fruits like grapes and pears.
Enhancing cardiovascular health and potentially managing blood pressure may be achieved by incorporating flavan-3-ol-rich foods into a healthy lifestyle, as more research is needed to confirm these findings.
