Latest news with #Heiss
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can these fruits and beverages lower blood pressure? New study says they may be as effective as medication
In a breakthrough that blurs the line between medicine and mealtime, a new study led by Professor Christian Heiss from the University of Surrey has revealed that certain flavan-3-ol-rich foods — including apples, grapes, tea, and cocoa — may be powerful allies in managing blood pressure . Published findings, reported by Surrey Live , detail the potential of these naturally occurring plant compounds in improving vascular health . 'The results suggest these everyday compounds may have real potential for protecting heart health ,' Professor Heiss said. Flavan-3-ols , known for giving fruits and vegetables their vibrant colours and protective functions in nature, appear to play an equally protective role in the human body — especially the heart. Found abundantly in cocoa, green and black tea, apples, grapes, and berries , these compounds could make everyday dietary choices far more consequential than we thought. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Turn everyday drives into standout moments. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo A Prescription off the Pharmacy The revelation comes after the review of 145 randomised controlled trials involving more than 5,200 participants. Researchers focused on the effects of flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and vascular function. Participants in the studies consumed about 586 mg of flavan-3-ols daily — roughly the equivalent of two to three cups of tea, a couple of apples, or a small serving of dark chocolate. The outcome? A measurable dip in blood pressure. On average, participants saw a 2.8 mmHg drop in systolic (upper) and a 2.0 mmHg drop in diastolic (lower) blood pressure. In those with elevated readings, the effect was even more pronounced — with reductions of up to 6–7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic. You Might Also Like: Harvard doctor's 'best' natural fix for high blood pressure might already be in your kitchen 'That's comparable to the effects of some prescription blood pressure medications,' Professor Heiss noted. 'And it could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.' Food as Medicine, Without the Hype Perhaps the most comforting part of this discovery is its simplicity. While health trends often push expensive powders or exotic imports, this research champions common, affordable foods — items many people already have in their kitchens. 'This isn't about exotic superfoods,' Heiss clarified. 'It's about foods many of us already enjoy, used a little more intentionally.' Even minor changes, such as replacing a sugary snack with an apple or a square of dark chocolate, could help tip the scales toward better heart health. Notably, the 2022 COSMOS trial (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), which tracked over 21,000 participants, found that cocoa flavanols alone reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease by 27%. These findings give real weight to the idea that nutrition can rival pharmacology in impact. You Might Also Like: This morning symptom can be high blood pressure hiding in plain sight, experts warn A Gentle Reminder to Listen to Your Body Heiss and his team also stress that this isn't a one-size-fits-all miracle. While the results are promising, particularly for those with high blood pressure, flavan-3-ols aren't a replacement for medication in every case. Their greatest value may lie in prevention — helping those with normal readings maintain good cardiovascular health over time. And while side effects were rare and mild, usually just minor digestive discomfort, Heiss suggests keeping an eye on how your body responds. Regular at-home blood pressure checks can help track improvements and fine-tune your diet accordingly. Shifting the Plate Speaking to The Conversation, Heiss emphasized a broader message that many healthcare providers echo: 'Lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, are recommended by doctors as first-line strategies.' Yet too often, patients are left without specifics. Now, this research fills that gap — showing that with just a few mindful swaps in the kitchen, the heart can be nourished, protected, and strengthened. You Might Also Like: Whole plant-based proteins can slash high blood pressure risk, but new study reveals a crucial catch As we look for ways to live longer and healthier, perhaps the answer isn't in an expensive supplement or a complicated regimen. Maybe it's been in our fruit bowl, teacup, and pantry all along. Disclaimer- This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice tailored to your individual needs.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Foods that lower blood pressure as effectively as pills - exactly what to eat
A new study has found that some foods can lower your blood pressure as effectively as commonly prescribed medicines. Here's a list of what to eat to help combat the condition A groundbreaking study has revealed that certain foods might be as effective in lowering blood pressure as standard medication. This could pave the way for individuals to manage their condition through dietary choices, by incorporating items like apples and grapes into their daily intake. Professor Christian Heiss from the University of Surrey, specialising in Cardiovascular Medicine, along with his team, has been examining flavan-3-ols - compounds naturally occurring in some plants. He commented: "The results suggest these everyday compounds may have real potential for protecting heart health." READ MORE: Huge Amazon Prime Day sale slashes Coco & Eve's 'best tanner on the market' by 30% Flavan-3-ols are responsible for giving plants their vibrant hues and also play a role in shielding them from ultraviolet rays and pests. These compounds are present in cocoa, both green and black tea, grapes, apples, and even certain berries. In the 2022 Cosmos trial (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), which tracked over 21,000 participants, it was discovered that cocoa flavanols cut down deaths related to cardiovascular conditions by 27%. The recent study honed in on the impact of these compounds on blood pressure and the ability of blood vessels to expand and react to blood flow. It scrutinised data from 145 randomised controlled trials with more than 5,200 participants, testing cocoa, tea, grapes, apples, and specific compounds such as epicatechin, reports Surrey Live. On average, the subjects ingested approximately 586 mg of flavan-3-ols each day; this is equivalent to the amount found in two to three cups of tea, one to two portions of dark chocolate, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, or a couple of apples. Regular intake of flavan-3-ols has been linked to a notable decrease in office blood pressure, with an average reduction of 2.8 mmHg systolic (the top number) and 2.0 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number). For individuals with elevated blood pressure, the results were even more significant, showing reductions of up to 6–7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic. Professor Heiss said: "That's comparable to the effects of some prescription blood pressure medications and could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. "Side effects were uncommon and typically mild, usually limited to minor digestive issues, suggesting that adding flavan-3-ol-rich foods to your diet is generally safe. "While the benefits were most pronounced in those with high blood pressure, even people with normal readings saw improvements in vascular function. This suggests flavan-3-ols may help prevent cardiovascular problems before they begin." Speaking to The Conversation, Professor Heiss explained: "Lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, are recommended by doctors as first-line strategies. But patients and even healthcare providers often lack clear, specific guidance on which foods truly make a difference. "Our findings help fill this gap by showing that boosting flavan-3-ol intake through everyday foods may offer a simple, evidence-based way to support cardiovascular health." He further explained: "The studies we reviewed suggest that 500–600 mg of flavan-3-ols daily may be enough to see benefits. You could reach this by combining two to three cups of green or black tea, one to two servings (about 56g) of dark chocolate or two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, two to three apples, plus other flavan-3-ol-rich fruits like grapes, pears and berries. "Small daily swaps, then, like trading a sugary snack for an apple and a piece of dark chocolate or adding an extra cup of tea, could gradually improve your heart health over time. "Because flavan-3-ol content can vary between foods, monitoring your blood pressure at home may help you see if it's making a difference for you. "More research is needed, particularly in people with diabetes, where the results were less consistent. We also need to better understand how flavan-3-ols interact with medications and whether even greater benefits can be achieved when combined with other healthy habits. "But the evidence is now strong enough to recommend flavan-3-ol-rich foods as part of a heart-healthy diet. As clinicians seek practical, affordable lifestyle strategies for patients, these findings bring us closer to the idea of using food as medicine. "Of course, flavan-3-ols aren't a magic fix. They won't replace medication for everyone. But combined with other healthy habits, they may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health. "And unlike many health fads, this isn't about exotic superfoods or expensive powders. It's about foods many of us already enjoy, used a little more intentionally." The research indicated that consuming these foods in their natural form is significantly more beneficial than opting for high-flavan-3-ol supplement pills.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Cardiologists Reveal Another Health Benefit of Dark Chocolate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For many, few things are more comforting than a hot cup of tea paired with a piece of chocolate—and now, new research suggests this combination may also offer surprising health benefits. A YouGov survey of 5,182 U.S. adults found that nearly half of Americans (49 percent) prefer milk chocolate, while 34 percent opt for dark chocolate. But those preferences might shift with growing awareness that dark chocolate could help lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed data from 145 randomized controlled trials. It found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols—naturally occurring compounds in tea, apples, cocoa, and dark chocolate—can lead to meaningful reductions in blood pressure, particularly in individuals with elevated or high readings. A stock image of a woman eating chocolate. A stock image of a woman eating chocolate. eternalcreative/iStock / Getty Images Plus In some cases, the effects were comparable to those achieved by certain medications. However, it isn't a replacement for prescribed drugs or medical advice. Professor Christian Heiss, the study's lead author at the University of Surrey, said in a statement: "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 investigation." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure—a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the country. While dark chocolate may offer some help, it certainly isn't a quick fix. The CDC recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly and getting sufficient sleep. Beyond lowering blood pressure, flavan-3-ols were also shown to improve the function of the endothelium—the inner lining of blood vessels—which plays a crucial role in heart and vascular health. Interestingly, this benefit was observed even when blood pressure remained unchanged, suggesting a broader positive impact on the circulatory system. Heiss 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. "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." So, the next time you reach for a cup of tea and a square of dark chocolate, you might just be giving your heart a little love. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about blood pressure? Let us know via science@ Reference Lagou, V., Greyling, A., Ferruzzi, M. G., Skene, S. S., Dubost, J., Demirkan, A., Prokopenko, I., Shlisky, J., Rodriguez-Mateos, A., & Heiss, C. (2025). Impact of flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and endothelial function in diverse populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
