One Of The Best Products For Lowering Blood Pressure And Improving Brain Function Has Been Named
- 11.11.2026, 10:11
Just two pieces a day.
Dark chocolate may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, vascular health, and brain function. However, its benefits depend on the cocoa content and the amount consumed. Studies point to the potential benefits of chocolate with a high flavonoid content, although experts caution against excessive consumption of sweets.
This is reported by Mirror, citing recommendations from the late British physician Michael Mosley and the results of scientific studies.
Mosley, who hosted the BBC podcast “Just One Thing,” explained that a few pieces of dark chocolate can be beneficial to your health. According to him, this is due to the high content of flavonoids—natural compounds found in plant-based foods.
The doctor noted that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the brain. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of choosing the right product.
Which Chocolate Is Best to Choose
Michael Mosley recommended replacing milk or white chocolate with dark chocolate containing about 85% cocoa.
He explained that cacao beans are one of the richest natural sources of flavonoids. These compounds are also found in strawberries, blueberries, apples, tea, and onions.
According to the doctor, white chocolate contains no flavonoids, and milk chocolate contains significantly fewer. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content that has undergone minimal processing contains the highest levels of these compounds.
Mosley cited a study of the Guna people, who live near the coast of Panama, as one example of the potential benefits of cocoa.
Researchers found that blood pressure in this population generally does not rise with age. One possible explanation cited was the regular consumption of unsweetened cocoa—up to five cups a day, according to some reports.
What Studies on the Effects of Chocolate on Health Have Shown
A study was conducted in Portugal involving 30 healthy volunteers who ate 20 grams of dark chocolate daily for a month. The results showed a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
Another study, conducted in Italy, involved 90 older adults. The participants consumed a special cocoa drink with a high flavonoid content. Afterward, the researchers observed improvements in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and cognitive function.
In addition, scientists studied the effect of flavonoids on the brains of young people. Participants were offered two different beverages—one with a high concentration of these compounds and one with a low concentration.
Those who consumed the beverage with a higher concentration of flavonoids performed better on certain cognitive tasks. Brain scans also showed improved blood flow and oxygenation.
Furthermore, a study by Professor Aedin Cassidy at Queen’s University Belfast showed that daily consumption of dark chocolate high in flavonoids can improve blood vessel elasticity, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels in women with type 2 diabetes.
How much dark chocolate can you eat every day
In the podcast, Michael Mosley explained that just two pieces of dark chocolate a day are enough to reap the potential benefits.
At the same time, the doctor warned that increasing the portion size does not mean greater benefits. Excessive chocolate consumption can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and weight gain, which negatively affects cardiovascular health.
Therefore, instead of eating extra sweets, he suggested replacing your usual snacks with a small amount of dark chocolate.
Why You Shouldn’t Overindulge in Even Dark Chocolate
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) highlighted the findings of a 2025 review of studies. The findings suggest that foods containing flavanols—specifically cocoa, tea, and certain fruits—may potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, experts note that store-bought chocolate generally contains significantly fewer flavanols than the cocoa products used in scientific studies. Some of these compounds are lost during the manufacturing process.
In addition, dark chocolate, like other types of chocolate, contains fat, saturated fat, sugar, and calories. If consumed in excess, it can contribute to higher cholesterol levels and weight gain.
Another challenge is that manufacturers generally do not specify the exact flavanol content on their packaging. Because of this, it is difficult to determine how many beneficial compounds are contained in a particular product.
The foundation also noted that flavanols can be obtained from other foods, such as green and black tea, grapes, apples, pears, and nuts. They help diversify your diet without adding extra saturated fat or sugar.
BHF experts note that a small amount of dark chocolate a few times a week can be part of a balanced diet.
As a reminder, the amount of water you should drink daily depends on your age. We previously discussed how much water to drink at different ages and why not all of your fluid intake needs to come from plain water.