Key points from article :
Research from the University of Birmingham, published in Food & Function, has found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa may protect the body’s vascular system during stress, even after consuming high-fat foods. The study, led by Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, investigated whether a high-flavanol drink could offset the negative effects of stress on the vascular system, particularly when paired with a fatty meal.
Participants, all young healthy adults, were given a high-fat breakfast followed by either a high-flavanol cocoa drink or a low-flavanol alternative. They then completed a mental stress test, during which researchers measured their vascular and cardiovascular responses. The results revealed that those who consumed the flavanol-rich cocoa experienced significantly better vascular recovery compared to those who had the low-flavanol version. Stress-induced vascular impairment lasted up to 90 minutes longer in the low-flavanol group, suggesting that the cocoa’s flavanols helped mitigate some of the cardiovascular strain associated with stress and high-fat diets.
Dr. Rendeiro emphasized that choosing high-flavanol foods and drinks can serve as a practical strategy to counteract the vascular effects of stress. This could be particularly valuable for individuals who turn to high-fat comfort foods during stressful times. Co-author Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten added that small dietary adjustments, such as incorporating flavanol-rich options, could have a meaningful impact on health, especially for those with demanding lifestyles.
The findings underscore the potential of simple dietary choices to support cardiovascular health. Foods such as minimally processed cocoa powder, green tea, black tea, berries, and apples are excellent sources of flavanols. By including these in your diet, particularly during periods of stress, you can help protect your vascular system while enjoying occasional indulgences.
