Tea and Chocolate Flavonoid May Reduce High Blood Pressure Levels
In a groundbreaking study, flavan-3-ols - compounds found in everyday foods like cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes - have been linked to managing high blood pressure.
Specifically, these plant-derived compounds exhibit remarkable capabilities in enhancing endothelial function. Endothelial function plays a significant role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Improved endothelial function means better heart health overall.
According to the researchers behind this meta-analysis, flavan-3-ols could serve as a complementary approach to lifestyle changes and medications in addressing hypertension.
Notably, participants in some of the 145 randomized controlled studies, as part of the meta-study's analysis, demonstrated improvements in endothelial function comparable to those achieved with hypertension medications.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, provides promising evidence for those looking for a natural, tasty way to help manage high blood pressure.
Cardiologist Jayne Morgan, MD, of Hello Heart, explains the importance of endothelial function: "Endothelial health is a reflection of the elasticity or stiffness and how well the arteries are performing in their vital role of maintaining a normal blood pressure."
She goes on to say that the endothelium acts as a barrier, reducing toxins and promoting healthy blood flow. Endothelial function is also measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and even a small increase can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 8%.
Flavan-3-ols can be found in green or black teas, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, apples, and grapes. However, due to processing, not just any chocolate or tea will do as a source of the compounds. Misakedroeit, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, cautions that processing can damage or remove the beneficial compounds, so it's crucial to opt for unprocessed foods.
Other natural compounds being investigated for heart health include resveratrol, curcumin, berberine, Omega-3 fatty acids, garlic extract, and quercetin. While Morgan adds a word of caution about the safety of certain compounds, such as berberine, she and Misakedroeit both agree that food choices play a significant role in promoting blood-vessel health and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In summary, flavan-3-ols offer several cardiovascular health benefits, including improved endothelial function, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease. By making the right dietary choices, individuals can lower their blood pressure, manage high blood pressure, and ultimately improve their overall heart health.
- Incorporating flavan-3-ols from foods like cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes could potentially aid in managing hypertension, a chronic medical condition.
- The science behind flavan-3-ols reveals their ability to enhance endothelial function, a crucial factor in regulating blood flow and blood pressure.
- Improved endothelial function, thanks to flavan-3-ols, leads to better heart health overall, contributing to general health and wellness.
- Flavan-3-ols, as highlighted by a recent meta-analysis, could be a complementary method, alongside lifestyle changes and medications, to address hypertension, a key chronic disease.
- Chronic-kidney-disease patients and those seeking a natural, tasty way to manage high blood pressure might find the study's findings promising.
- In the realm of fitness and exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, is paramount for cardiovascular health.
- Cooking with foods rich in flavan-3-ols, such as green or black teas, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, apples, and grapes, can contribute to sustainable living and healthy-cooking practices.
- As for global cuisines, they offer numerous opportunities to incorporate flavan-3-ols, contributing to their overall well-being and home-and-garden lifestyle.
- Besides flavan-3-ols, other natural compounds like resveratrol, curcumin, berberine, Omega-3 fatty acids, garlic extract, and quercetin are being investigated for heart health benefits.
- To maximize the benefits of flavan-3-ols and other heart-healthy compounds, it's essential to opt for unprocessed foods, ensuring they retain their full nutritional value.
