Good news chocoholics, it turns out that this tasty little treat is good for your heart.  According to an Italian study, dark chocolate has the potential to significantly reduce the inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease.  

“Studies have shown that heart benefits from dark chocolate include increased blood flow, less platelet stickiness and clotting, and improved LDL (bad) cholesterol,” says Mary Engler, PhD, RN, and chocolate researcher from the University of California, San Francisco. 

Mary claims eating a small 1.6 ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you after the longest clinical trial to date showed improvement in blood vessel function from consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolate daily over an extended period of time.  What chocolate lover would argue with that science?

A Japanese study suggests that dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the heart muscle.  This is a very important finding since improvement in coronary blood flow lessens the risk of angina and heart attack, claims Yumi Shiina, PhD, of Chiba University in Chiba, Japan. 

The researchers measured an indicator that determines the ability of the coronary arteries to dilate and allow more blood flow to the heart muscle tissue.  After two weeks, coronary circulation significantly improved in participants who ate dark chocolate.  There was no change in participants who ate white chocolate. 

Dark chocolate retains a higher flavonoid content than milk chocolate with low flavonoids, or white chocolate, which does not contain flavonoids at all.  Flavonoids are antioxidants, and have been found to be responsible for chocolates heart health benefits.  When the body lacks adequate levels of antioxidants, free radical damage can result and lead to increased LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls. 

Additional antioxidant capabilities from flavonoids also:

• Are believed to help reduce platelet aggregation
• May affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels
• May positively affect the balance of certain compounds that are thought to benefit the heart

There are factors to consider when consuming chocolate to help benefit the heart, as some forms of chocolate are more ideal over others.  For example, most commercial chocolates have been over processed via fermentation, alkalizing, and roasting, which reduces the flavonoid content. Therefore, the higher the cocoa content, the better.  It is also a good idea to skip sugar and fat laden dark chocolate products containing chewy caramel and marshmallows, as they are not considered heart-healthy options.  

John Hopkins Medicine states, “when choosing dark chocolates, opt for the more expensive ones, as they usually have higher levels of flavonoids. Specifically, buy bittersweet chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa content.”

At this point in time there are no prescriptions for chocolate, but there are varying thoughts as to how much dark chocolate one may need to eat in order to gain heart protective benefits.  For example, two studies have shown that a 1.4 to 1.6 ounce dark chocolate bar with a high cocoa content daily has contributed to cardiovascular health. 

“Eating a little bit of chocolate or having a drink of hot cocoa as part of a regular diet is probably good for personal health, so long as people don’t eat too much of it, and too much of the kind with lots of butter and sugar,” says Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D., a professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.  It is important to remember while a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better, as chocolate is still high in calories.  

When choosing a chocolate product find those with:

• Less calories
• Less Sugar
• Less butter fat
• More cocoa content

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 According to the American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association, “1 in 3 adults in the United States have HBP. HBP itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, it can damage the: 

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Other parts of your body.” ¹

 There are many factors that can have an impact on one’s blood pressure.  For example:                          

• Age
• Genetics
• Being overweight
• General Health
• Emotional State
• Activity Level 

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since more often than not, there are no associated symptoms.  Therefore, it is essential that you have yours checked periodically before symptoms do arise.  Fortunately, this condition is easy to detect if you are having regular check ups.  If you do not go to the doctor regularly, then you can find blood pressure machines at most pharmacies and drug stores.  

Blood Pressure Readings

It is important to be aware of your blood pressure numbers.  If they are too high for a prolonged period of time you may be headed for further complications, such as a stroke or a variety of other health problems. Low blood pressure may indicate other medical conditions and should be evaluated.  As you may know, there are two sets of numbers that represent your blood pressure.  The systolic pressure is always mentioned first, then the diastolic.  The reading is then expressed as 120 over 80, for example.²

In general, more attention is given to the top number (the systolic blood pressure) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In the majority of people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term build-up of plaque, and along with cardiac and vascular disease.

• Systolic –  The higher (top) number that represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• Diastolic – The lower (bottom) number representing the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.  

 After your blood pressure has been taken, be sure to get the numbers and if you are not sure what they represent, write them down and have your doctor explain them to you.  You can also ask your doctor what level your blood pressure should be at for you personally.   

Reducing High Blood Pressure Naturally

Depending on the cause, high blood pressure can be reduced in a number of ways.  For example, if it is due to high salt intake, then reducing salt in the diet can be helpful.  Those who are sedentary may benefit from some form of activity.  If being overweight is the cause, then losing some pounds would most likely help to reduce high blood pressure.  Reducing stress can also be beneficial. 

Furthermore, if this condition is caused by excess fibrin (protein buildup) in the kidneys, hardening of the arteries (due to plaque), or vascular inflammation, then systemic enzyme therapy can be used to help remove the excess fibrin, arterial plaque, and inflammation. 

 VitalzymSEB is a natural dietary supplement that contains proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes, such as along with the nattokinase enzyme and other “heart healthy” nutrients to create an enzyme formulation specifically for cardiovascular wellness. 

Further Reading

Inflammation in high blood pressure: a clinician perspective

Related American Heart Association (AHA) publications:

What Is High Blood Pressure?

How Can I Reduce High Blood Pressure?

 Why Should I Limit Sodium?

Heart and Stroke Facts 

References

 1.  The American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association

2.  The American Heart Association