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Chocolate can lower blood pressure
04-Jul-07
Regular intake of dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure, according to a study.
Observational studies have shown that cocoa-containing foods are linked to lower cardiovascular mortality and high doses of cocoa can improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure.
However, the effects low habitual cocoa intake on blood pressure has not been studied previously.
The researchers of this new study, published in JAMA, undertook a randomised, controlled trial in 44 adults with untreated upper-range prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension without concomitant risk factors.
Participants were given 6.3g per day of either polyphenol-containing dark chocolate or polyphenol-free white chocolate.
At the end of the 18-week study the authors found that dark chocolate intake reduced mean systolic blood pressure by 2.9mmHg and mean diastolic blood pressure by -1.9mmHg.
JAMA 2007; 298: 9.
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Comments
3 comments
GEORGE CALDWELL
05/07/2007
Let the study proceed. Most NHS chocolate-eaters think the old "nutty" bar they buy is chocolate when it contains very little of the actual Chocolate bean. Lots of Cocoa butter and cocoa solids but not the real McCoy of "dark" chocolate which they probably wouldn't like.
GEORGE CALDWELL
05/07/2007
Proper Chocolate is good
GEORGE CALDWELL
05/07/2007
Again, good dark chocolate is good for you.
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