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.
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.
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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. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173
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