Turns Out, Chocolate and Tea Might Be the Heart-Healthy Duo You’ve Been Waiting For

Sometimes, science is simply the best. Especially when it encourages us to indulge in a few favorite treats, and this new study from the University of Surrey is a prime example.

In May, researchers published new findings in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, showcasing how regular consumption of tea and chocolate may help lower your blood pressure. 

OK, really, it’s not about the tea or chocolate; it’s actually about the flavan-3-ols in them, which Food & Wine previously explained are a specific subset of flavonoids. According to the Journal of Nutritional Science, these are “a group of natural substances … found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea, and wine” that help these plants defend against plaque buildup. The journal noted, “Currently, there are about 6,000 flavonoids that contribute to the colourful pigments of fruits, herbs, vegetables, and medicinal plants.” 

For this new study, the team performed a meta-analysis of 145 pre-existing studies to find out how these flavan-3-ols, found in tea and chocolate as well as in fruits like apples and grapes, affect human blood pressure. The team discovered that these flavan-3-ols not only help reduce blood pressure but, in certain cases, may decrease it by an amount comparable to medication when consumed daily.

“The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” professor Christian Heiss, who was a part of the study and is a professor of cardiovascular medicine and head of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, shared in a statement. “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.”

However, Heiss noted that this is “not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice,” only that incorporating more flavan-3-ol-rich foods into a daily routine “could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure.”

These flavonoids really can pack a major punch for health. Food & Wine also reported on a new study published in February by researchers from Edith Cowan University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which demonstrated that foods high in flavonoids may help individuals age more gracefully.

“Flavonoids are well known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting blood vessel health, and even helping to maintain skeletal muscle mass — all of which are important for preventing frailty and maintaining physical function and mental health as we age,” professor Aedin Cassidy from Queen’s University Belfast, and senior author of the study, stated. “Our research shows that people who consume more flavonoids tend to age better.”

Their work also noted that increased consumption of tea and apples yielded significant results, along with red wine, blueberries, and oranges. Another study by researchers at Rutgers University, Western New England University, and UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate also found a connection between grape consumption and muscle function.

“Grapes contain polyphenols, especially flavonoids like resveratrol and quercetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” sports dietitian Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, shared with F&W. And really, doesn’t a cup of tea with grapes and chocolate sound like an ideal afternoon snack anyway?