Christmas Treat BEATS Blood Pressure Meds
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 25, 2022
Merry Christmas!
I hope you’re already enjoying the day with family and friends and a delicious holiday spread.
My advice? Go ahead and put your feet up and relax. You deserve it!
Because although Christmas is a joyous occasion, getting ready for the big day is stressful. And stress-related hormones are linked to high blood pressure.
Of course, lack of exercise and overindulging during the holiday season don’t help those numbers either.
That’s why my second bit of advice will surprise you…
I want you to head over to that holiday spread and eat a bit MORE of one of your favorite Christmas treats.
Because it turns out THIS delicious indulgence is an excellent way to dial down your blood pressure.
(You just need to be sure to pick the RIGHT kind.)
If you’ve been avoiding chocolate because “candy is bad for you,” I have TERRIFIC news. You can STOP!
A growing stack of research finds chocolate isn’t just safe. It could also be your heart’s best friend.
For example, a study published in the journal Nutrition uncovered certain nutrients in chocolate can reduce your blood pressure.
But remember, I said it needs to be the RIGHT kind to get the MOST benefits. And in this case, that turns out to be the dark variety.
For the study, the researchers split the volunteers into groups. Half of the participants received a 55 percent (milk) cocoa chocolate, and the other half had a 90 percent (dark) version.
Both varieties had positive benefits, improving blood pressure and atrial stiffness (a measurement of heart health). But the dark chocolate was the clear winner.
- the 90 percent group had an impressive5-point drop in their systolic (upper number) blood pressure and a 2.3 drop in their diastolic (lower) number
- the 55 percent group had a still-noteworthy4-point decrease in their systolic blood pressure and 1.7-point drop in their diastolic number
That means the chocolate performed even BETTER than some blood pressure drugs.
Cocoa contains naturally occurring polyphenols called flavanols. These potent plant compounds support blood vessel health and healthy circulation in humans.
Plus, they lower inflammation levels, reduce insulin resistance, assist with weight loss, and even heal wounds faster.
And that means if you’re a chocolate lover, it’s time to rejoice. Feel free to treat yourself to a few squares of chocolate (about 100 grams or half a cup), not just today for Christmas, but EVERY day.
Some folks find 90 percent cocoa chocolate a bit too bitter. But lower percentages have benefits too. So just choose the highest percent cocoa you enjoy.
P.S. Researchers say WHEN you eat your chocolate could influence how well it helps with weight loss and blood pressure improvements. Click here for the details.
Source:
“Randomized study of the effects of cocoa-rich chocolate on the ventricle–arterial coupling and vascular function of young, healthy adults,” Nutrition, Volumes 63–64, 2019, Pages 175-183, ISSN 0899-9007,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2019.02.017.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...