We’d have one more reason to take pleasure in our each day cup of tea or small piece of darkish chocolate, as a brand new research from the College of Surrey has discovered that naturally occurring compounds known as flavan-3-ols — present in cocoa, tea, apples and grapes — might enhance blood strain and the well being of our blood vessels.
The analysis, printed 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 strain readings, notably in individuals with elevated or hypertension. In some instances, the common blood pressure-lowering results had been similar to these seen with some medicines.
Flavan-3-ols had been additionally discovered to enhance the perform of the endothelium — the interior lining of blood vessels — which is essential for general cardiovascular well being. This enchancment occurred independently of blood strain modifications, suggesting a broader constructive affect on the circulatory system.
Professor Christian Heiss, lead-author of the research and Professor of Cardiovascular Medication on the College of Surrey, mentioned:
“The findings are encouraging for these searching for accessible methods to handle their blood strain and assist their coronary heart well being by way of pleasing dietary modifications. Incorporating small quantities of generally consumed meals like tea, apples, darkish chocolate, or cocoa powder right into a each day balanced eating regimen might present useful quantities of flavan-3-ols.
“Whereas not a substitute for prescribed medicines or medical recommendation, together with extra flavan-3-ol-rich meals in a each day routine could possibly be a precious addition to a wholesome life-style, particularly for these with increased blood strain. These are findings that, though promising, require ongoing investigation.”