Delicious dish confirmed by 145 studies as the "nemesis" of high blood pressure

So finding ways to lower high blood pressure is important. And new research, just published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , has found that a tasty snack can “significantly reduce” high blood pressure.

Researchers from the University of Surrey (UK) conducted a meta-analysis of 145 randomized controlled trials, including 5,205 participants, to investigate the effects of foods rich in flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and endothelial function.

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke

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The results found that regular consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate "significantly reduced high blood pressure" in people with high blood pressure, according to health news site Best Life.

The results also showed that in addition to cocoa and dark chocolate, regular consumption of other flavan-3-ol-rich foods such as tea, apples and grapes also significantly improved blood pressure indexes for patients with high blood pressure.

Effects of flavanols on high blood pressure

Previous studies have shown that flavan-3-ols (a subgroup of flavanols) have antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, and neuroprotective properties. Tea, apples, and grapes contain flavan-3-ols, but cocoa is most notable.

Regular consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate, helps "significantly reduce high blood pressure" in people with hypertension

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In this new study, flavan-3-ols also showed significant benefits for the endothelium—the inner lining of blood vessels, which is important for heart health. What’s more, they also had positive effects on the circulatory system. That means regular consumption of flavan-3-ols has a double benefit for health.

Lead author Professor Christian Heiss, who specialises in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Surrey, said: “These findings are encouraging for controlling high blood pressure and supporting heart health through diet. Incorporating small amounts of foods such as tea, apples, dark chocolate or cocoa powder into a balanced daily diet can provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols. This is a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for people with high blood pressure, according to Best Life.

Of course, people with high blood pressure should never stop taking their blood pressure medication on their own, and always consult their doctor before changing anything in their diet or when they feel worried about their blood pressure.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mon-ngon-duoc-145-nghien-cuu-xac-nhan-la-khac-tinh-cua-huet-ap-cao-185250519223454159.htm