We may now have another reason to enjoy our daily cup of tea, a few bites of dark chocolate, or a crunchy apple.
A new study from the University of Surrey has found that certain natural plant compounds—called flavan-3-ols—could help lower blood pressure and improve the health of our blood vessels.
Flavan-3-ols are a group of substances found in many everyday foods like tea, cocoa, apples, and grapes. These plant-based compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, and researchers are increasingly discovering how they benefit heart and blood vessel health.
The new research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, looked at data from 145 separate randomized controlled trials. These types of studies are considered one of the most reliable ways to test whether a treatment or food has real effects.
The scientists found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols was linked to lower blood pressure, especially in people who already had high or borderline high readings.
In fact, in some cases, the improvement in blood pressure was similar to the benefits seen with some prescription medications. That’s a big deal, especially for people who are looking for natural ways to support their heart health.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. The researchers also found that flavan-3-ols improved the function of the endothelium—the thin layer of cells lining the inside of our blood vessels. A healthy endothelium is important because it helps regulate blood flow, reduces inflammation, and keeps blood vessels flexible.
What’s even more interesting is that this improvement happened even when blood pressure didn’t change, meaning flavan-3-ols may offer heart and blood vessel benefits beyond just lowering blood pressure.
Professor Christian Heiss, the lead author of the study and a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, said the findings are exciting. He explained that making small changes to our diet—like drinking tea, eating an apple, or having a bit of dark chocolate—might be a simple and enjoyable way to support heart health.
“These findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” said Professor Heiss.
“While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure.”
He also pointed out that more research is needed. While the results are promising, scientists still want to better understand how flavan-3-ols work in the body, how much we need to eat, and whether the benefits last over the long term.
Still, this study adds to a growing body of evidence that shows how everyday foods can help protect our hearts. Eating more flavan-3-ol-rich foods won’t replace medication for those who need it, but it could be one more tool for staying healthy.
So the next time you enjoy a warm cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate, you might be doing more for your body than just treating your taste buds.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about vitamins impacts on high blood pressure people need to know, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best and worst foods for high blood pressure, and modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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