Healthy living
Healthy eating
Happy Easter, happy arteries
Don't feel too guilty if you indulged your sweet tooth this Easter. Chocolate, as long as it's the dark kind, can help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of stroke, according to The Stroke Association
Research has shown that plain chocolate, (though not milk or white kinds) can lower high blood pressure and improve circulation.
A study published in the journal Heart revealed that the volunteers who ate dark chocolate had significantly improved arterial flow. Researchers also found that the levels of antioxidants in the volunteers' blood rose sharply two hours after eating the dark chocolate. But those who ate white chocolate did not have the same health-boosting responses.
So why does dark chocolate have such a beneficial effect? Cocoa, one of the main ingredients of dark chocolate, contains lots of flavonoids, natural powerful antioxidants, which soak up harmful free radicals. Flavonoids are also believed to increase the amount of nitric oxide in the blood, which helps blood vessels to dilate and stay pliable.
Joe Korner of The Stroke Association said: 'Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK and it is vital that we do all we can to help reduce the risk of a stroke. Eating a few squares of dark chocolate as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle is something which can be enjoyed without the guilt!'
Other natural sources of flavonoids include black tea, red wine, apricots, blackberries and broad beans.
But, don't go on a chocolate binge. Chocolate is loaded with fats and sugars too so moderation is key.
Top tips to reduce the risk of stroke
- Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and it can often be symptomless, so do have regular checks.
- Stop smoking. This can cut your risk of stroke in half. Smoking causes the arteries to fur up and makes your blood more likely to clot.
- Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure. Binge drinking (drinking more than six units in six hours) is particularly dangerous as it can cause blood pressure to soar.
- Healthy eating is essential for a healthy bloodstream. Salt raises blood pressure.
- Regular physical activity helps to lower blood pressure, and creates a healthy balance of blood fats.
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.