A CUP of tea and square of chocolate could be just as good as some drugs at slashing your high blood pressure, researchers claim.
A new study from the University of has found that naturally occurring compounds in your daily cuppa or favourite treat may improve and blood vessel .
Called , these compounds are found in cocoa, tea, apples and grapes.
According to University of Surrey researchers, they “show promise in improving blood pressure and vascular function, but are currently not used for cardiovascular prevention”;;.
Their study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies.
It found that regularly eating flavan-3-ols can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure.
In some cases, the average blood pressure-lowering effects were comparable to those seen with some medications.
Flavan-3-ols were also found to improve the function of the endothelium – the inner lining of blood vessels – which releases substances that aid blood flow and is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.
Damage to your endothelium can put you at risk for a range of health problems like – when plaques narrow the arteries – as well as related conditions like and .
Researchers said the improvement to endothelial function happened separately to changes in blood pressure.
This suggests a broader positive impact on the circulatory system, they wrote, adding that their findings support the use of flavan-3-ols for prevention of cardiovascular issues.
Professor Christian Heiss, lead-author of the study and Professor of Cardiovascular at the University of Surrey, said:“The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes.”;;
But this doesn’t give you the green light to go ham on chocolate – having small amounts is key, as is choosing dark over milk.
Nor can flavan-3-ols replace medications if you need them to bring down your blood pressure – but they can serve as a useful addition to your “healthy lifestyle”;;, Prof Heiss went on.
“Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols,”;; he explained.
“While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure.
“These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing .”;;
It’s not the first time flavan-3-ols – which are a type of flavonoid – have been linked to better heart and circulatory health.
In 2023, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommended that people “increase consumption of nutrient-dense foods rich in flavan-3-ols and low or absent in added sugars, including but not limited to tea, apples, berries, and cocoa”;; to lower their risk of disease.
It found that “moderate evidence supporting cardiometabolic protection resulting from flavan-3-ol intake in the range of 400-600 mg/day was supported”;; by research.
Ultimately, the Academy said “consumption of dietary flavan-3-ols may help improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar”;;.
Previous research has also linked compounds found in .
The study of 122,000 British adults found those who ate the greatest amounts of flavonoids had a 28 per cent lower risk of than people who ate the least.
It found a diet high in flavonoids was an even bigger boost for people with a high genetic risk of dementia, who saw a 43 per cent reduction in risk.
Study author Dr Amy Jennings, from Queen’s University in , said at the time: “These results provide a clear public health message.
“They suggest that a simple increase in daily consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may lower dementia risk.
“Currently there is no effective treatment for the disease so preventive interventions to improve health should continue to be a priority.”;;
