High blood pressure, or hypertension as it’s medically known, can often fly under the radar due to its subtle symptoms. If left unchecked, this condition could escalate into more serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
However, health experts suggest that certain foods can help keep blood pressure levels in check, including one of the nation’s favourite sweet indulgences.
Blood pressure is gauged using two numbers, with a general benchmark of 140/90 mmHg. Any reading above these figures is deemed high. Multiple readings are taken throughout the day, and the average of these results is used to determine if someone is at risk, as per NHS guidelines.
The target range can differ from person to person. Those who are overweight, consume more salt than advised, or lead a less physically active lifestyle are more susceptible to high blood pressure.
Certain medications can assist in managing blood pressure levels, along with a low-fat, balanced diet. This diet can include chocolate – despite the sweet treat often being labelled as unhealthy, reports Bristol Live.
There are many ways in which chocolate and other foods can help ward off high blood pressure. Chocolate is packed with flavonoids – plant-based compounds found in cocoa products that have antioxidant properties which can help widen blood vessels – subsequently aiding in reducing blood pressure.
Flavonoids, as found in cocoa powder and chocolates – particularly dark chocolate, with milk chocolate containing them to a lesser extent – have indicated potential benefits in blood pressure reduction.
Dr. Karin Ried from the University of Adelaide in Australia shed light on the subject: “Flavanols [a type of flavonoids] have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure.”
Dr. Ried pointed out some inconsistencies in various studies, however, adding: “There have been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. We’ve found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure.”
In 2016, the National Library of Medicine presented a study associating the moderate consumption of foods rich in flavonoids, including cocoa, with reduced blood pressure levels and a decreased risk of heart conditions.
This is a tasty piece of information that could benefit those managing hypertension and still enjoying their sweet indulgences. So, what other foods can contribute to lowering blood pressure?
Among the variety of options, certain foods stand out as particularly beneficial for blood pressure management.
What other foods can help lower blood pressure?
Other foods that can aid in lowering blood pressure include:
For those aiming to regulate their blood pressure, other helpful foods include:
- Citrus fruits
- Green leafy vegetables
- Salmon
- Berries
- Beans
- Pistachios
- Beetroot