Chocolate benefits heart,lowers blood pressure ?

The residents of an island called Kuna in Panama prompted Hollenberg's study. These indigenous people rarely develop high blood pressure, although they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day and include it in many recipes. But if they leave the island, the risk of high blood pressure increases, and studies found it wasn't related to salt intake or obesity.

Healthy blood flow and blood pressure

Flavonol,a substance in cocoa , has shown a positive effect on nitric oxide synthesis.NO in turn helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow.This substance is a potent antioxidant.It helps prevent clogging of arteries by reducing oxidation of free fatty acids. But the way cocoa powder and syrup is manufactured removes much of flavonol.

The effect of Flavonol on platelet is somewhat similar to low dose aspirin.Aspirin's effect last for a much longer duration than flavonol.By no way its a substitute for aspirin.



While caffeine does encourage alertness, there is less caffeine in chocolate than there is in a cup of coffee. (There are about 30 milligrams of caffeine in your average chocolate bar, while a cup of coffee contains 100 -150 mgs.)

Phenylethylamine in cocoa could lead to " chocolate craving".You should consult your doctor when you sense this problem.

Some researchers have found that flavonols have much higher antioxidant properties than vitamins such as ascorbic acids.But chocolate processing destroys much of flavonols. Dark Chocolate are better than white ones in this regard.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that those who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times each month live almost a year longer than those who eat too much or those who steer clear of junk altogether


Ref:various journals and research articles