Research shows cocoa helps reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness

A study by the University of Surrey has revealed that cocoa flavanols help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness. This study was published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in June 2022. Cocoa flavanols work as a blood pressure medication, according to the study. 

Flavanols are a type of antioxidant that is found in chocolates, red wine, berries, tomatoes and many other food products and they help in controlling blood pressure up to a certain limit. 

Christian Heiss, a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, said, “High blood pressure and arterial stiffness increase a person’s risk of heart disease and strokes, so it is crucial that we investigate innovative ways to treat such conditions”.

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Before we even consider introducing cocoa into clinical practices, we need to test if the results previously reported in laboratory settings safely translate into real-world settings, with people going about their everyday lives”. 

The first study on flavanols was conducted on eight healthy patients who consumed either six cocoa flavanol capsules or six placebo capsules containing brown sugar on alternate days. Blood pressure measurements were taken before the consumption as well as after the ingestion of the capsules. After the eight day study, 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. 

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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 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 and shows the role of personal health monitors in developing and implementing effective personalized care.”

The study suggested that cocoa flavanols can be a probable treatment only for people who have elevated blood pressure levels. Various further surveys and research needs to be undertaken to confirm these findings and to come to a collective decision on how much dosage is needed by the patients to overcome the symptoms.