Drinking 1 or more cups of black or green tea daily, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases because of their effects on lowering blood pressure. Tea is an enormous source of catechins which is a type of polyphenol. A study published in Nutrients 2021, showed that when healthy people take catechin-containing green tea extract, their blood flow to their legs was increased. At the same time, vascular resistance improved, suggesting that blood flow was more effortless due to decreased resistance from blood vessels. Catechins help in relaxation of blood vessels through nitric oxide formation, which has strong effects on blood circulation by widening blood vessels. Other catechin sources are red wine, strawberries, apples, and cherries.
Number 5. Cacao and Dark Chocolate.
Higher consumption of cacao has been associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cacao also contains a more elevated amount of catechins. Studies showed that cacao or dark chocolate could lower blood pressure which increases blood flow. It also prevents endothelial dysfunction – this means the arteries are narrowing when they should be opening, thus causing chest pain. Even in serious cardiovascular problems, cacao supplementation showed beneficial effects on the dilation of arteries.
