Rachael Davis
In an era of TikTok-fuelled health scares convincing everyone and their nan that nothing is safe, we bring to you a rare ray of sunshine.
A new study from the University of Surrey has found that dark chocolate can be more beneficial for your health than one thought.
Of course, dark chocolate has long been held as being relatively good for us as far as sweet treats are concerned.
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The Cleveland Health Clinic listed seven benefits of going for the more bitter variety of chocolate, saying it offers antioxidants, minerals that support immunity and good sleep, better cardiovascular health, protection from UV, and improved mood, with fibre and a non-dairy factor going for it too.
And now we can added lowered blood pressure to the list of worthy reasons to munch some dark chocolate.
The University of Surrey found that the flavan-3-ols contained in dark chocolate, cocoa, tea, apples and grapes, can improve blood pressure whilst also looking after blood vessels.
Published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the research analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies and concluded that regular flavan-3-ol consumption can reduce blood pressure. The effects were particularly pronounced in those with high blood pressure at the outset.
Apparently, the effects are so impactful that they’re comparable to some blood pressure-lowering medications.
The study said that flavan-3-ols bolster blood vessels’ inner lining, the endothelium, improving blood flow and general cardiovascular health.
This effect is independent of the blood pressure changes too, indicating flavan-3-ols’ general benefits to cardiovascular systems.
"The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” said Professor Christian Heiss, the studies’ lead author and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey.
“Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols.
"While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation.”
While Heiss stresses the need for further research, it seems we can be relatively comfortable in the knowledge that dark chocolate, in moderation, is worth adding to our diets.