Choc it up to science — your sweet tooth might save your heart.
A new study suggests that some everyday treats can pack a heart-healthy punch strong enough to rival prescription blood pressure drugs.
The surprising stars? Tea, dark chocolate, apples and grapes.
The study — recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — found that these foods can help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, leading to lower blood pressure over time.
The effect was particularly noticeable in people who weren’t already on medication, suggesting that diet alone could make a measurable impact.
It was also stronger in those with high blood pressure, in keeping with how prescription drugs work.
In the study, participants who regularly consumed flavan-3-ols — the most common subclass of the naturally occurring compounds flavonoids — saw reductions in blood pressure on par with results from some commonly prescribed hypertension drugs.
Flavan-3-ols work by enhancing nitric oxide production in the body, which helps blood vessels dilate more easily and improves blood flow.
According to the study, an effective dose would be 2 ounces of dark chocolate, three cups of tea and two medium-sized apples.
The researchers noted that it is better to receive the dosage through food than supplements, as a higher dose can cause liver issues or interfere with medications.
The findings align with previous research, including studies that suggest pairing dark chocolate with tea can have enormous benefits for heart health.
William Mullan, brand director of Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn, told Fox News Digital that tea and dark chocolate can serve as mood enhancers, in addition to their medicinal properties.
“Theobromine and caffeine are both stimulants, and they can help with focus and mood,” he said.
“If you want to get something done and be peppy and focused, a little chocolate and a little tea, chemically, can be a very advantageous thing in the right dose.”
A study out of Japan recently found that drinking green tea — especially three or more cups a day — can help stave off heart disease, cancer and dementia.
The skin and seeds of red grapes are especially rich in resveratrol, which is known to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, while the high content of soluble fiber, antioxidants and polyphenols in apples makes the “apple a day keeps the doctor away” adage all too true.
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