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.
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