Posted on 07/27/2022 2:56:55 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Cocoa only reduces blood pressure and arterial stiffness when they are elevated, a study finds.
Cocoa flavanols have previously been found to lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness as much as some blood pressure medication. However, how effective flavanols are in everyday life in reducing blood pressure has remained unknown, as previous studies in this area have been performed in tightly controlled experimental settings.
Surrey's new research reduces concerns that cocoa as a treatment for raised blood pressure could pose health risks by decreasing blood pressure when it is not raised, paving the way for it to be potentially used in clinical practice.
In the first study of its kind study, researchers set out to investigate the use of flavanols, a compound found in cocoa, in lowering blood pressure and arterial stiffness in individuals outside of clinical settings.
Christian Heiss, professor, said: "High blood pressure and arterial stiffness increases a person's risk of heart disease and strokes."
Researchers found that blood pressure and arterial stiffness were only lowered in participants if it was high, and there was no effect when the blood pressure was low in the morning.
Significantly, effects were also, for the first time, identified at eight hours after cocoa was consumed. Researchers believe that this second peak may be due to how bacteria in the gut metabolize cocoa flavanols.
Professor Heiss added, "The positive impact cocoa flavanols have on our cardiovascular system, in particular, blood vessel function and blood pressure, is undeniable. Doctors often fear that some blood pressure tablets can decrease the blood pressure too much on some days.
"What we have found indicates that cocoa flavanols only decrease blood pressure if it is elevated. Working with participants' personal health technologies showed us how variable blood pressure and arterial stiffness can be from day to day."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
P
I get arterial stiffness but only on Saturday night
I’m in trouble. Do not like chocolate of any kind.
OTOH, my bp yesterday was 1117/71. On two different meters.
Your systolic was 1,117 ?
You’re going to explode.
117. BP far better than my eyesight
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