The Effects of Dark Chocolate on Blood Pressure in Individuals With Mildly Elevated Blood Pressure

The Effects of Dark Chocolate on Blood Pressure in Mildly Hypertensive Individuals

The evidence linking chocolate with lowered blood pressure has been observed. However, the interventions have been short, at most 4 weeks. The aim of this study is to find out if the habitual consumption of dark chocolate for 8 weeks has an effect on blood pressure. Also, more insight to the mechanisms linking chocolate to individual healt-responses is needed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 25-65 years
• resting systolic pressure 140-159 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 90-99 mmHg
• BMI 25.0- 29.9

Exclusion Criteria:

• smoking
• regular medication for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or asthma