May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide.
One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.
Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source.
However, one study in people with high blood pressure showed no effect, so take this with a grain of salt.
Given the great variation between studies on this subject, it’s clear that more research is needed.
The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide.
One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.
Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source.
However, one study in people with high blood pressure showed no effect, so take this with a grain of salt.
Given the great variation between studies on this subject, it’s clear that more research is needed.