A small amount of dark chocolate every day helped reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. That’s the conclusion of a study conducted by researchers at the University Hospital of Cologne in Germany. According to the researchers, eating about 30 calories of chocolate each day could have positive effects on blood pressure are the side effects like weight gain.
Previously, other studies had shown that consumption of large amounts of foods containing cocoa can lower blood pressure. This is believed to be flavonoids, chemicals that contain certain plants and believed to be responsible for the beneficial health effects.
“In the past it was thought that flavonoids were anti-nutrients” said Lorraine Agostini, nutrition expert at the University of Seville, Spain.” That is, acting against nutrition. But since the 90s began research on the health benefits of foods containing: cocoa, red wine and fruits and vegetables.”
