Polyphenols are abundant in human diet. One
class of polyphenols, flavanols, based on clinical
and epidemiology studies showed to have protection
effect on cardiovascular system. Flavanols are able
to increase antioxidant plasma, decrease oxidation
products and activate endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
(eNOS) which will increase synthesis and bioavaibility
of NO that in turn will restore endothelial function.
Dark chocolate is a major source of flavanols which
have the highest antioxidant level compared with other
food source based on Oxygen Radical Absorbance
Capacity (ORAC) measurement. Previous studies
had shown that dark chocolate intake reduces blood
pressure significantly.