A recent study suggests that consuming chocolate and tea together could be beneficial for cardiovascular health, helping to lower blood pressure.
Published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the study found that natural compounds known as “flavan-3-ols”, found in chocolate and tea, may play a significant role in reducing blood pressure and protecting the heart.
Professor Christian Heiss, a cardiovascular medicine specialist at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, stated:
“In people with high blood pressure, the drop in pressure from flavan-3-ols was similar to what we’d expect from standard blood pressure medication. On the other hand, in those with low blood pressure, the effect was minimal.”
The average daily intake of flavan-3-ols among study participants ranged from 500 to 600 milligrams.
This amount can be achieved by consuming:
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2 to 3 cups of tea,
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1 to 2 servings of dark chocolate,
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2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder,
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2 to 3 apples,or a combination of smaller portions of these foods along with other flavanol-rich fruits like grapes, pears, and berries.
The findings highlight how everyday foods may have a therapeutic effect on blood pressure when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.
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