The Institute for Vibrant Living - You're source for a vibrant life

Combat High Blood Pressure With Natural Remedies

 Loading ...

• Share/Save

Flavanols are phytonutrient compounds in specific foods that have been found to be a natural remedy with antioxidant properties.  In addition, the latest research indicates that flavanols found in cocoa may offer health benefits to patients with high blood pressure and heart disease.

According to a study conducted by cardiologists at the University of California in San Francisco and published in the July 13, 2010 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), high concentrations of cocoa flavanols can reduce high blood pressure and enhance blood vessel health. 

For the first time, this study also suggests the possibility of a link between flavanols and an increase in the circulation of angiogenic cells which are important in recovery after vascular injury and are essential to the function and maintenance of blood vessel walls.  These results have important implications for those who espouse natural remedies as a treatment for disease.

Sixteen participants with heart disease between 61 and 67 years of age took part in this “cross-over” study where subjects received both interventions.  Each participant was given a cocoa drink high in flavanols at 375 mg, twice a day for 30 days and a cocoa drink low in flavanols at 9mg, twice a day for 30 days.  As the research was randomized, controlled and masked, neither the doctors nor participants knew which form of cocoa a patient was drinking at any given time until the study was complete.  Subjects continued to take all prescribed medications including cholesterol-lowering statins.

To calculate findings, researchers took blood pressure readings and ultrasound measurements of the brachial artery and examined the number and behavior of circulating angiogenic cells.  The findings indicated a 47 percent improvement in expansion of the brachial artery with the consumption of the high-flavanol cocoa drink as compared to the low-flavanol drink.  Other benefits included an effect on high blood pressure, with a decrease in systolic pressure and an increase in circulating angiogenic cells, which more than doubled.

It was shown that the positive effects of cocoa flavanols to the vascular system are independent of the antioxidant effects on the body.   Findings indicate a positive, protective effect for those who have high blood pressure and heart disease from a cocoa drink that contains 375 mg of flavanols, which could lead to possible natural treatments.  However, more studies are needed to determine a standard dosage for optimum heart and blood pressure health.

Results of this study are exciting to doctors and patients – particularly because the treatment involves natural remedies.  This cutting-edge research suggests that foods and beverages high in flavanols like cocoa products, wine, some fruits, vegetables and green tea can benefit patients with high blood pressure and heart disease.

Try IVL’s Cocoberri™ Heart – Strong Coco Drink

• Pure, dark cocoa powder and real raspberry powder
• A host of antioxidant-rich super nutrients, including Resveratrol, one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. 
• May help lower your blood pressure, bolster your immune system, control your cholesterol, and have a better sex life,