Poor Circulation? Chocolate Might Help
Poor circulation can be painful and it may lead to other issues, such as blood clots and swelling. However, there is hope in some research that shows chocolate might help increase blood flow.
Flavanols in Chocolate May Increase Blood Flow
Flavanols are a nutrient that’s found naturally in many plant-based foods and drinks. Some of these include cherries, tea, red wine, peanuts, blueberries, apples, pears and — here is the best part: seeds from the cacao tree. Flavanols are known to potentially lower blood pressure and increase blood flow.
The cacao seeds (or beans) from which chocolate is derived are known to be particularly rich in flavanols. The flavanols in cocoa (made from the cacao bean) have been studied for years for the ability to lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, prevent blood clots and even fight cell damage. Because of these benefits and the abundance in flavanols, cocoa powder was chosen in one study to see how those with peripheral artery disease (PAD) would respond.
Improving Circulation With Chocolate
There are certain blood vessels that supply blood to the legs from the heart. In peripheral artery disease, these vessels are narrowed, causing blood to flow more slowly. Sufferers may experience pain, cramping and weakness in their leg muscles, especially when walking. There has been very little shown to help improve this condition in the past.
In the aforementioned study, cocoa powder rich in flavanols was used to prepare hot chocolate. The participants drank either the hot chocolate mixture or a placebo three times daily for six months. After the six months, those who consumed the hot chocolate had gained a 20% increase in blood flow to their legs, as well as an improvement in the function and health of their muscles. They were also able to walk further in a six-minute time period than those who did not consume the chocolate.
For someone wanting to gain these benefits, it is important to note that dark chocolate will have a much larger supply of flavanols than milk chocolate. Look for pure dark chocolate or cocoa powder for the best results. Obviously, use moderation when consuming anything with sugar or dairy.
Poor circulation may be improved by adding a regular regimen of chocolate. The promising results from this study seem to indicate that it may be worth further investigation — and hey, who are we to tell anyone to eat less chocolate? Someone at risk for circulation-related conditions might consider bringing this up at their next medical visit to see if it’s right for them. Always consult a medical professional before stopping or starting any health regimen.
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