A delicious drink to reduce blood pressure and arteriosclerosis
A new study revealed that cocoa's effect on blood pressure and atherosclerosis is only associated with higher blood pressure.
The effectiveness of the flavanol compound contained in cocoa is not known, although its effect on reducing pressure has been reported before.
The new study was conducted at the British University of Surrey, which specializes in research, and said that the use of cocoa as a treatment for blood pressure is not dangerous, because it does not reduce pressure unless it is already high, and that cocoa can be used in clinical treatments.
"High blood pressure and atherosclerosis increase a person's risk of heart disease and stroke, so it is critical that we look for innovative ways to treat such conditions," said Professor Christian Hess, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Surrey.
According to the "Science Daily" website, 11 people participated in this study, who took 6 cocoa flavanol capsules for several days, and some of them took 6 placebo capsules containing brown sugar, according to the newspaper "Okaz".
Participants were provided with a blood pressure monitor in the upper arm and a finger clip that measures pulse wave velocity (PWV) to monitor the level of atherosclerosis.
Blood pressure and pulse were measured before taking the capsules and every 30 minutes after taking the capsules for the first 3 hours, and then every hour during the remaining 9 hours of observation.
The researchers found that blood pressure and arterial stiffness only decreased in participants if it was high, and there was no effect when blood pressure was low in the morning.
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