Chocolate

Polyphenol-Rich Dark Chocolate for Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate rich in polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) may help lower blood pressure and contribute to overall cardiovascular health in healthy individuals, a new study reports.

Researchers from University Hospital of Cologne in Germany explained that regular intake of cocoa-containing foods is linked to lower cardiovascular mortality in observational studies.

Previous studies have indicated that high doses of cocoa can improve endothelial (blood vessel) function and reduce blood pressure due to the action of the cocoa polyphenols.

The randomized controlled study investigated the effects of low doses of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate on blood pressure.

Researchers conducted the trial at a primary care clinic in Germany between January 2005 and December 2006. The study included 44 adults aged 56 through 73 years (24 women, 20 men) with untreated upper-range prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension (high blood pressure) without concomitant risk factors.

Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive for 18 weeks either 6.3 grams per day of dark chocolate containing 30 milligrams of polyphenols or matching polyphenol-free white chocolate.

The study found that from baseline to 18 weeks, dark chocolate intake reduced mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure without changes in body weight, plasma levels of lipids, glucose and 8-isoprostane.

The prevalence of high blood pressure declined from 86 percent to 68 percent. White chocolate intake caused no changes in blood pressure or plasma biomarkers.

The study authors concluded that the data in this relatively small sample of otherwise healthy individuals with above-optimal blood pressure indicate that inclusion of small amounts of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate as part of a usual diet may efficiently reduce blood pressure and improve formation of vasodilative nitric oxide.

Integrative therapies for high blood pressure include omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid, calcium, Coenzyme Q10, hibiscus, Qi gong, stevia and yoga.

References

1.Taubert D, Roesen R, Lehmann C, et al. Effects of low habitual cocoa intake on blood pressure and bioactive nitric oxide: a randomized controlled trial. AMA. 2007 Jul 4;298(1):49-60. View Abstract

2.Natural Standard Research Collaboration: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/  Copyright © 2007.

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