Are flavanols safe to take every day?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Flavanols, natural compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, are generally safe to consume daily for most people. Research suggests daily flavanol intake may support heart health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing circulation.

However, individual responses vary. Factors like existing health conditions, medications, or unexplained symptoms can influence how your body reacts to dietary changes. If you've been experiencing symptoms you can't quite pin down—whether related to diet, heart health, or something else—it's worth investigating sooner rather than later. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if daily flavanol is safe Discover likely risks of daily flavanol Find out if flavanol affects you Find OTC options for flavanol side effects Find a doctor for flavanol concerns Discover home remedies for flavanol issues See if flavanol suits your health

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Explanation

Flavanols are natural compounds found in foods like cocoa, tea, and some fruits. Research shows that cocoa flavanols are safe for healthy adults to consume every day. These compounds may help improve heart health by supporting better blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Key Points:

Safety: Studies have shown that consuming cocoa flavanols daily is safe for most people.
Benefits: Flavanols might help your heart work better by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Sources: You can find flavanols in foods like cocoa, tea, and some fruits.

Overall, adding flavanols to your diet may offer health benefits, especially for your heart, as long as you consume them as part of a balanced diet. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker before consulting with a healthcare provider about adding new supplements to your routine.

(References)

Ottaviani JI, Balz M, Kimball J, Ensunsa JL, Fong R, Momma TY, et al. (2015). Safety and efficacy of cocoa flavanol intake in healthy adults. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 26537937.
Crowe-White KM, Evans LW, Kuhnle GGC, Milenkovic D, Stote K, Wallace T, et al. (2022). Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever .... Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 36190328.
Barnett CF, Moreno-Ulloa A, Shiva S, Ramirez-Sanchez I, Taub PR, Su Y, et al. (2015). epicatechin in healthy volunteers. Food & function, 25598082.

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