New Delhi, Dec. 17 -- As temperatures drop, some cardiologists are drawing attention to an unlikely ally for heart health: dark chocolate. Rather than turning straight to pills and isolated supplements, experts point out that the natural compounds in dark chocolate may offer a small but real edge, especially in regulating blood pressure.

According to prevention.com, dark chocolate is rich in flavanols - plant-based compounds linked to improved blood vessel function. These compounds help the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes arteries and can ease pressure on the heart. Eating small amounts of high-cacao dark chocolate over time may nudge blood pressure in a healthier direction.

Research in the National Library of Medicine on flavo...