21 July 2005

Dark Chocos Might Be Good For Your Blood Pressure

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) --- Eating dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure, boost normal responses to insulin to keep blood sugar levels down, and improve blood vessel function in patients with high blood pressure, according to new research findings.

All of these effects would be expected to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. The report in the medical journal Hypertension is just the most recent to link dark chocolate with beneficial health effects. In an earlier study, consumption of the bittersweet candy reduced blood pressure and increased insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects.

"The findings do not suggest that people with high blood pressure should eat lots of dark chocolate in lieu of other important blood pressure-reduction methods, such as medication and exercise," Jeffrey B. Blumberg (Tufts University said in a statement.

"Rather, we are identifying specific flavonoids that can have a benefit on blood pressure and insulin sensitivity."

[ Reuters Health, Jul 18 2005 ]

Before hypertensives misinterpret it, the study above though optimistic, does not categorize dark chocos as a new health food. Rather, it only seeks to identify which flavonoids can be more beneficial for hypertension.

Over 4,000 types of flavonoids identified can be found in most fruits, vegetables, and certain beverages like green tea, red wine, soya, and yes, dark cocoa or chocolate. Their antioxidant activity is dependent on their molecular structure, and has been shown to protect cells against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen, peroxyl radicals and superoxides.

Other beneficial effects mentioned in scientific literature include antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects.

Eat more fruits and veggies. All the medicine you'll ever need are in these food items.

12 reactions:

Anonymous said...

We have read a lot about the benefits of eating dark chocs and many of us love eating chocs. The problem is the dark-looking chocs we see on the shelves are sweet with plenty of sugar and by the time we have consumed enough chocs to beneit our body, we have consumed enough sugar to tilt this benefit as well.

Mec said...

i think sweets in general are ok...basta lang taken in healthy doses (and fine, nde ako kasama dun)...

anyway, it's nice to know that if, someone is craving dark chocos... he can eat some and know it's not entirely bad for him :)

Anonymous said...

I'm happy to know that eating chocolate and playing computer games may bring some benefits. =)
Oh, I've visited the Planarity site, I reached lvl 7 only, didn't have patience to keep on trying...

Toni said...

Once again, everything in moderation! :)

Nick Ballesteros said...

Hello Doc. I am wary about eating anything sweet because I tend to sweat profusely (I don't know why) and it sometimes triggers my migraine as well. But one time my colleagues were eating dark chocolate and I was really so hungry I decided to try one thin slice. I eventually ate 5 without the usual sweat and headache. That is strange.

duke said...

i so love dark chocolates. I eat at least one small piece a day. I think the best one that is at 80-90 per cent. The 100 per cent dark chocolate really tastes bitter. I'm glad to read this, doc.

may said...

i say...eat the chocolate and watch your hip grow :)

Dr. Emer said...

Bayi: There are now dark chocolates available that comes 100 percent pure. Proof of purity is their bitter taste.

Mec: Yes, for once, a health tip that does not mean sacrifice on behalf of the patients.

Karina: I'm impressed with your new planarity skills!

Toni: The best solution always!

Watson: Check your fasting blood sugar level.

Duke: The 100 percent variety is the best. But I agree, it does taste bitter.

May: Right on!

Anonymous said...

I have yet to come across 100% pure dark chocs but if there is, it is good news because I love the bitterness in the chocs.

sharima said...

sabi ko na nga ba may mabuting maidudulot din ang hilig ko sa dark chocolates. hehehe.

eye said...

this should help my mom lower down her BP, kaso lang milk chocolates ang hilig niya haha!

i prefer the 70-80% cocoa, yung lindt meron nito. the 100%, have yet to find one. sino ba ang maker nito? :)

Dr. Emer said...

Bayi and eye: My soulmate eats 100% pure darck choco. I'll ask her where she gets it when she comes back. Then, I'll tell you guys. :)

Alchemist2: Good for you. :)