Because of its mild symptoms, high blood pressure, sometimes referred to as hypertension, is a disorder that frequently remains undiagnosed. It can, however, result in major cardiac problems like heart attacks and strokes if treatment is not received.

Medical professionals say several foods may help keep blood pressure levels low. According to the Daily Record, chocolate, a popular sweet delicacy, is surprisingly one of these.

Two numbers measure blood pressure, and a 140/90 mmHg reading is considered excessive. To effectively assess risk levels, the NHS suggests taking multiple readings throughout the day and calculating the average.

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People who are overweight, eat a lot of salt, or have sedentary lifestyles are more likely to have high blood pressure. A balanced, low-fat diet can help some people prevent and control high blood pressure, while others may require medication to do so.

What role does chocolate play in decreasing blood pressure, given its reputation as an unhealthy indulgence? According to the Mirror, here’s everything you need to know about this and other foods that can help lower blood pressure.

Can chocolate help lower blood pressure?

Chocolate, rich in flavonoids, can help dilate blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. Cocoa products are rich in flavonoids, with cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and, to a lesser degree, milk chocolate being beneficial sources.

Dark chocolate flavonoids have reinforced the belief in their blood pressure-lowering abilities. Dr Karin Ried from the University of Adelaide, Australia, commented: “Flavanols [a type of flavonoids] have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure.”

However, she noted: “There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. We’ve found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure.”

A National Library of Medicine study examined the effects of foods high in flavonoids on cardiovascular disorders and high blood pressure. Its objective was to evaluate the impact of these foods on risk variables, such as blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

According to the research, consuming chocolate in a pleasurable way may help reduce blood pressure and, consequently, the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other foods that can help lower blood pressure

For those aiming to regulate their blood pressure, other helpful foods include:

• Citrus fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Salmon
• Berries
• Beans
• Pistachios
• Beetroot