Sunday 19/October/2025 – 08:56 AM
High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and is often known as the silent killer because it does not show clear symptoms in its early stages, and ignoring its treatment can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes, according to what the British newspaper Mirror reported.
Does dark chocolate help lower blood pressure?
Older people suffer from this condition more than others, and its probability increases with age, genetic factors, unhealthy diet, weight gain, smoking, and chronic stress.
The accurate way to diagnose the disease is by measuring blood pressure with a special device, as a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high for those under eighty years of age, while the percentage rises to 150/90 for those over this age.
But surprisingly, a common sweet like dark chocolate may play a role in helping lower blood pressure, thanks to it containing beneficial natural compounds.
Studies indicate that the flavanols and theobromine found in cocoa help improve blood vessel function and increase their elasticity, which contributes to lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Professor Tim Spector, a researcher at King’s College London, says that dark chocolate also contains fibre, proteins and polyphenols, which are nutrients that promote general health and improve digestion.
They may also help improve cholesterol levels, enhance concentration and memory, increase antioxidants, and improve skin health.
Experts warn against consuming too much of it, as many commercial types contain high levels of sugar and saturated fats that may negate their health benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to choose chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa, and stick to moderate amounts daily.
Dr. Karen Reid from the University of Adelaide in Australia explained that chocolate is not a magic cure for blood pressure, but it may be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from high blood pressure, noting that its positive effect is due to increasing the production of nitric oxide in the vessels, which helps them expand and facilitate blood flow.
