Abstract

The renin-angiotesnin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a major regulatory system of cardiovascular and renal function. Indeed, RAAS plays a fundamental role in the cardiovascular disease continuum, from endothelial dysfunction tocardiovascular events. Evidence from both experimental and clinical studies has suggested flavonoids and flavanol-rich foods, such as, cocoa products present with all the biological potential to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk inhumans.Dark chocolate containing high amount of cocoa flavanols has been supposed to promote cardiovascular protection by improving endothelial function and inhibiting ACE activity modulating the RAAS.