( An analysis of a previously published r...)Blood Pressure Tackled Better With Cocoa Than Tea,Health

An analysis of a previously published research in the April 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine has revealed that foods rich in cocoa are beneficial// in reducing blood pressure, instead of tea, which may not actually help.

Current guidelines advise individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure) to eat more fruits and vegetables, according to background information in the article. Compounds known as polyphenols or flavonoids in fruits and vegetables are thought to contribute to their beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. 'Tea and cocoa products account for the major proportion of total polyphenol intake in Western countries,' the authors write. 'However, cocoa and tea are currently not implemented in cardioprotective or anti-hypertensive dietary advice, although both have been associated with lower incidences of cardiovascular events.'

Dirk Taubert, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, conducted a meta-analysis of 10 previously published trials, five of cocoa's effects on blood pressure and five involving tea. All results were published between 1966 and 2006, involved at least 10 adults and lasted a minimum of seven days. The studies were either randomized trials, in which some participants were randomly assigned to cocoa or tea groups and some to control groups, or used a crossover design, in which participants' blood pressure was assessed before and after consuming cocoa products or tea.

The five cocoa studies involved 173 participants, including 87 assigned to consume cocoa and 86 controls, 34 percent of whom had hypertension (high blood pressure). They were followed for a median (middle) duration of two weeks. Four of the five trials reported a reduction in both systolic (the top number, when the heart contracts) and diastolic (the bottom number, when the heart relaxes) blood pressure. Compared with those who were not consuming cocoa, systolic blood pressur
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Recommendations for Treatment of Blood Pressue
2. Blood Cells Capable of Regenerating Liver
3. Blood clots likely in long travel
4. Hemochromatosis Patients Blood is Safe
5. Blood transfusions beneficial after heart attacks
6. Blood Pressure Drug may slow wasting in burn victims
7. Levels Of Blood Proteins May Help Heart Disease Care
8. Blood test may identify ovarian cancer
9. A Blood test for suicide risk?
10. Blood Pressure Drugs maintain muscle strength
11. Blood test diagnoses heart failure in short time