The following report is by Medical XPress:
In their paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group describes how they used Mendelian randomization to discover more about the associations between consumption of dark chocolate and hypertension.
Hypertension is a term used to describe chronic high blood pressure. The term essential hypertension is used when the source of the cause is unknown. Over the past several years there have been reports of dark chocolate consumption providing certain health benefits, due to its flavanol content. Some of those claimed benefits have included reducing inflammation, and other factors involved in coronary disease.
In this new study, the research team wondered if it was possible that consumption of dark chocolate could reduce essential hypertension, which has been implicated in a host of maladies, from strokes to heart attacks.
The work by the team involved the use of a technique called Mendelian randomization—an epidemiological methodology named after Gregor Mendel. It involves studying differences in genetic profiles in a way that shows that a given intervention was what caused a given effect—the method has been promoted due to its ability to reduce the risk of reverse causation.
Using the method on data obtained from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, which included genetic profiles of 64,945 people of European descent, the team looked for associations between health benefits of dark chocolate consumption and ailments such as heart failure, blood clots, stroke, coronary heart disease and essential hypertension.
In looking at their data, the researchers found what they describe as a significant association between regular dark chocolate consumption and reductions in the risk of essential hypertension—and some association between dark chocolate consumption and reductions in the risk of venous thromboembolism.
On the other hand, the team found no associations between dark chocolate consumption and any of the other ailments. They suggest their findings are strong enough to warrant further study of dark chocolate and its components to find out if it, or some of its ingredients, might be useful for the treatment of essential hypertension.
More information: Juntao Yang et al, Dark chocolate intake and cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50351-6
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
In my report on some of the supplements, herbs, and ingredients that I recommend, one of them is Cocoa/Cocao Powder. These are very healthy alternatives to traditional coco powder, but have a slightly more earthy and nutty taste them. I use this ingredient often because of is many benefits. You can make your own chocolate bars, for example, by purchasing a mold, the cocoa/cocao, some cocoa butter, and some sugar and syrup, and make your own healthy, organic bars.
Psalm 104:14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; [15] And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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If you want to control cardiovascular problems, get started with a supplement called NATTOKINASE. It lower blood pressure, dissolves clot and DO NOT TAKE if on BP meds or blood thinners without checking BP and thinner dosage before starting.;
Nattokinase comes from the Japanese food NATTO which is soybeans cultured with a bacteria called Bacillus Subtilis Natto. The cultured soybeans are a Japanese delicacy and people in Japan are noted for having few cardiovasculare issues
You can buy Nattokinase online. It comes in 100mg, 200 mg capsules and even higher mg levels The key factor in effectiveness is the FIBRIN UNIT. Each 100mg has 2000 Fibrin Units which refer to clot busting properties. I take 6 capsules a day. I have slight high BP but abandoned the drug Lisinopril after it caused tinnitus in my left ear which i am slowly getting under control If you have serious High BP and heart vessel blockage this can help, but check with your physician, who may not buy into this before starting. here is a short video clip from a researcher about nattokinase and a link to more info:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug0zwgf4bV0
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-nattokinase-89831
Hey Jacob, what are the measurements for the recipe of the chocolate bar you put down? if you won’t mind sharing:)