NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — A cup of tea in the morning instead of buying a trendy supplement or superfood could do more for your blood pressure than you realize.
An international study suggested that foods like tea and dark chocolate can pack enough cardiovascular punch to rival prescription medications.
Some 145 clinical trials with more than 5,000 participants were analyzed by researchers who found that foods high in flavan-3-ols can slash blood pressure by amounts comparable to hypertension drugs. So, people with high blood pressure who consume these foods every day can possibly drop their readings by about six points systolic and three points diastolic.
The study examined foods that people already know and love: dark chocolate, tea (green and black), apples, and grapes. But unlike previous studies, this one looked at foods that can be easily incorporated into daily routines.
However, blood pressure wasn’t the only benefit. The foods also reportedly improved blood vessel function.
There was a variety for the trials, with participants ranging from healthy volunteers to people with existing conditions, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension, which strengthened the findings.
Most of the blood pressure benefits were more pronounced in those who needed it, while those with normal blood pressure saw minimal changes.
Right now, the American Heart Association and other organizations are recommending a limit on sodium, increasing physical activity, and following a diet to manage blood pressure.
One thing that was noted by researchers was that food-based sources appear to be safe, but high-dose supplements could interact with medications or cause liver problems. However, whole foods are prioritized over supplements.
“While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation,” said the lead study author, Christian Heiss.
A COSMOS trial from 2022 showed that a daily square of dark chocolate or a cup of tea costs significantly less than most blood pressure medications.
For the average person, that could be the easiest and most enjoyable way to support their cardiovascular health. But people need to remember to have dark chocolate with at least 75% cocoa content.