A Sweet Health Treat

Indulge your sweet tooth with a heart-healthy treat. Dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity in healthy people, a recent study concludes. Flavanols are likely the source of dark chocolate's health powers. They relax blood vessels and stimulate glucose absorption. Remember to eat chocolate in moderation; it's still high in fat and calories.

In addition to dark chocolate, other food sources of flavanols include green and black teas, Red Delicious apples with the peels, and apricots. Flavanols are polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Other important elements of blood pressure control are regular exercise and a varied diet that includes fish, nuts, dry beans, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and limits saturated fat and sodium.