Healthy living
Healthy eating
Cocoa tops tea for BP
Drinking chocolate may be more effective than tea at lowering blood pressure, say scientists
The findings published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine compared a number of published trials that looked into the effects of cocoa and black or green tea on blood pressure levels. The trials came from a 40-year period between 1966 and 2006.
Cocoa and black or green tea are rich in flavonoids, naturally occurring powerful <a href="UnderstandingAntioxidants.asp" class="sect-au">antioxidants</a> , which mop up damaging free radicals in the blood. Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids called epicatechins, and these may be key to improving high blood pressure and blood vessel function.
Judy O'Sullivan, medical spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said, "Numerous studies in the past have shown that both tea and cocoa can have some benefits to our health. But we shouldn't get too hung up on just two single food types. The amount of cocoa and tea we take is less likely to have as much of an effect on our health as a well-balanced diet with plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables and a low salt intake."
Having high blood pressure is one of the major risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke.
In the UK, about half of people over 65, and about a quarter of middle-aged adults, have high blood pressure. You are more likely to suffer if there is a family history.
<h1 class="h1smlsect">Top tips on lowering your blood pressure
</h1><li>Stop smoking.
- Undertake a regular exercise programme.
- Maintain a healthy weight in relation to your height.
- Consume alcohol in moderation.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and cut back on salt.
Useful website:
British Heart Foundation - www.bhf.org.uk
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.