A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has shown that a compound found in certain foods, including tea and dark chocolate, may improve blood pressure and blood vessel health.
The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on blood pressure and blood vessel dilation after eating foods rich in a compound called flavan-3-ols. In total, 109 publications featuring over 5,200 participants were included in the analysis. Flavan-3-ols are compounds that have shown promise in improving blood pressure and vascular function in previous studies, although they are not currently used as a tool to prevent cardiovascular disease. Foods that are high in flavan-3-ols include cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes. This study sought to determine the effect these foods have on blood pressure and blood vessel function as well as whether they may be useful in preventing cardiovascular disease.
The results showed that regularly consuming foods high in flavan-3-ols consistently led to a reduction in blood pressure, particularly in people who already had elevated blood pressure. The results further showed that regularly consuming these foods improved the function of the inner lining of blood vessels, called the endothelium. Consumption of flavan-3-ol-rich foods showed a significant impact, particularly on blood pressure, with minimal adverse effects.
The authors of the study noted that their results point to an accessible, relatively low-cost way to improve blood pressure and heart health through lifestyle changes. Trying to incorporate more apples, grapes, chocolate, and tea into one’s daily diet may be an easy and enjoyable way to improve heart health. While these foods can’t replace heart medications or a doctor’s advice, they provide a straightforward and promising method for managing heart health and blood pressure at home.
Sources: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Science Daily
