What are flavanols and what do they do?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Flavanols are natural plant compounds found in foods like cocoa, tea, apples, and berries. Research shows flavanols may improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and support overall heart health by boosting nitric oxide production in the body.

If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, chest discomfort, or circulation issues, diet alone may not be enough to identify what's going on. Understanding your symptoms early can help you take the right next steps—whether that's a lifestyle change or a conversation with your doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights in minutes and better navigate your health journey with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if flavanols affect your symptoms Discover why flavanols matter for you See if flavanols fit your concerns Find OTC options for flavanol-related symptoms Find doctors for flavanol-related questions Discover medically valid home remedies Understand if you need care now

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Explanation

Flavanols are a type of natural compound found in foods like cocoa, tea, and some fruits. They are part of a larger group called flavonoids. Flavanols are known for their potential health benefits, especially for the heart and blood vessels.

Benefits of Flavanols:

Improved Blood Flow: Flavanols can help make blood vessels wider, which improves blood flow and can lower blood pressure.
Heart Health: By improving blood flow, flavanols may help protect the heart from diseases.
Antioxidant Effects: They also have antioxidant properties, which means they help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

Sources of Flavanols:

Cocoa and dark chocolate
Green and black tea
Some fruits, like apples and grapes

Eating foods rich in flavanols as part of a balanced diet might be beneficial for maintaining good heart health. However, if you're experiencing symptoms related to your cardiovascular health or general wellness, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be going on. It is always important to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients your body needs.

(References)

Al-Dashti YA, Holt RR, Stebbins CL, Keen CL, & Hackman RM. (2018). Dietary Flavanols: A Review of Select Effects on Vascular .... Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 29718795.
Luo Y, Jian Y, Liu Y, Jiang S, Muhammad D, & Wang W. (2022). Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological .... Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 35163984.
Grassi D, Desideri G, Croce G, Tiberti S, Aggio A, & Ferri C. (2009). Flavonoids, vascular function and cardiovascular protection. Current pharmaceutical design, 19355949.

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