Tucked along the Caribbean coast of Panama, the Kuna people have drawn sustained interest from cardiovascular researchers for one striking reason: they experience remarkably low rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic conditions like diabetes, despite a diet that would seem to work against them.
A Diet That Breaks the Rules
The Kuna consume a fair amount of salt. They eat relatively little in the way of leafy green vegetables. They also consume a notable amount of sugar. The standard American medical advice does not recommend this diet when considering cardiovascular health. This combination would be expected to raise cardiovascular risk substantially. Instead, researchers have documented dramatically lower rates of hypertension and heart disease in this population compared to global averages.
Ruling Out Genetics
The most telling piece of the research: when Kuna individuals relocate to cities and adopt a more processed, Western-style diet, their health outcomes shift toward the same patterns seen in the broader population, including higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. This strongly suggests the protective factor is dietary and lifestyle-based, not genetic.
The Role of Cacao
One dietary factor researchers have focused on is the Kuna's daily consumption of a traditional cacao preparation, several cups per day, particularly rich in flavanols, a class of polyphenol compounds. These flavanols have been studied for their potential role in supporting healthy blood vessel function, blood flow, and blood pressure. Some research has also looked at their relationship to gut microbiome diversity and metabolic markers. It's worth noting that not all cacao or chocolate products retain meaningful flavanol content; much of it is lost in common processing methods, which is part of why the Kuna's traditional preparation has drawn particular research interest.
Other Plants Studied for Cardiovascular Support
Several other plants have research behind their traditional use for heart and blood vessel health.
Reishi, a mushroom used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, has been studied in small clinical trials for its potential role in supporting healthy blood pressure and reducing inflammatory markers, along with its broader reputation as an adaptogen that supports the body's stress response.
Cordyceps, a fungus with a long history of traditional use, has been studied for its potential role in blood vessel relaxation and circulation.
Turkey Tail, a common polypore mushroom, has been studied for its beta-glucan content and a possible role in supporting metabolic markers alongside cardiovascular health.
Lemon Balm, long used as a calming herb, has also been studied for a potential role in supporting healthy blood vessel function.
Hawthorn, Holy Basil, Fenugreek, and Bilberry form a traditional combination, each studied individually for a different piece of the cardiovascular picture: heart rhythm and arterial health, stress response, blood sugar balance, and antioxidant support, respectively.
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his article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or medication, particularly if you have a diagnosed cardiovascular or metabolic condition.
