High blood pressure is the by-product of the modern lifestyle. Millions of people around the world suffer from problem of high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The recent research led by researchers in America and Italy has brought good news for the people with high BP. Researchers have found out that dark chocolate helps in controlling high blood pressure.

Researchers analyzed the data collected from19 patients with high blood pressure. These patients were given100 grams of white chocolate for two weeks. Their blood pressure levels were measured after two weeks. After the fortnight their diet was switched to dark chocolate. They were given 100 grammes of dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for two weeks.

Researchers found that on average blood pressure level of these patients fell by three millimetres of mercury. Earlier researchers have shown that reduction in blood pressure levels by one millimetre of mercury can reduce deaths from cardiovascular problems by two per cent. Researchers estimated that eating dark chocolate reduces the number of deaths due to heart attacks and stroke by six per cent.

Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols which produce nitric oxide which in turn helps relax artery walls and allows blood to flow more easily. However white chocolate and milk chocolate does not contain the same quantity of flavanols.

This research has shown that regular intake of dark chocolate can help in controlling high blood pressure. Hence people with high BP can treat themselves with dark chocolates.