Eating dark chocolate may be almost as effective at lowering blood pressure as taking the most common antihypertensive drugs, a review of studies has found. Tea, on the other hand, appears to be ineffective. It appears in the April 9 issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine.

Four of the five studies on chocolate found reduced blood pressure after eating, but none of the tea studies showed significant benefit. The magnitude of the effect of eating three and a half ounces of dark chocolate a day was clinically significant, comparable to that of beta-blockers like atenolol, known by the brand name Tenormin, or propranolol, known as Inderal. The authors acknowledge that the studies were short and that results may not apply to habitual use.

Milk proteins prevent the absorption of polyphenols, so milk chocolate is not effective. "I've been eating a little more dark chocolate," said Dr. Dirk Taubert, the lead author and a professor of pharmacology at University Hospital in Cologne, Germany. "And my blood pressure has gone down.

Take Home Message:

Moderation in all things... some chocolate is just fine, even on a daily basis. Make sure it is dark chocolate it would be best to consume it within an hour after an exercise bout don't eat it late at night before you go to bed enjoy it, don't feel guilty and make sure that your exercise program is consistent.