We would have one more reason to get pleasure from our every day cup of tea or small piece of darkish chocolate, as a brand new examine from the College of Surrey has discovered that naturally occurring compounds referred to as flavan-3-ols — present in cocoa, tea, apples and grapes — could enhance blood stress and the well being of our blood vessels.
The analysis, revealed within the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed knowledge from 145 randomised managed research, and located that common consumption of flavan-3-ols can result in a discount in blood stress readings, notably in folks with elevated or hypertension. In some circumstances, the common blood pressure-lowering results had been similar to these seen with some drugs.
Flavan-3-ols had been additionally discovered to enhance the perform of the endothelium — the internal lining of blood vessels — which is essential for general cardiovascular well being. This enchancment occurred independently of blood stress adjustments, suggesting a broader constructive affect on the circulatory system.
Professor Christian Heiss, lead-author of the examine and Professor of Cardiovascular Drugs on the College of Surrey, stated:
“The findings are encouraging for these in search of accessible methods to handle their blood stress and assist their coronary heart well being by way of pleasing dietary adjustments. Incorporating small quantities of generally consumed meals like tea, apples, darkish chocolate, or cocoa powder right into a every day balanced weight loss program may present useful quantities of flavan-3-ols.
“Whereas not a alternative for prescribed drugs or medical recommendation, together with extra flavan-3-ol-rich meals in a every day routine may very well be a useful addition to a wholesome life-style, particularly for these with increased blood stress. These are findings that, though promising, require ongoing investigation.”