6/28/2010 PERMALINK
For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure. University of Adelaide : Researchers have combined the results of 15 studies into the effects of flavanols, the compounds in chocolate which cause dilation of blood vessels, on blood pressure. 'Flavanols have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure,' said Dr Karin Ried, leader of the team of researchers that conducted the analysis. 'There have, however, 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.'