In a delightful twist for food lovers, researchers suggest that cocoa might help counteract some negative health effects linked to stress and fatty meals.
Stressful situations, even brief ones, can temporarily impair how arteries function. Pair that with a diet high in saturated fats, and the recovery of the cardiovascular system may take even longer. But scientists have uncovered a surprising ally: cocoa rich in antioxidants might mitigate some of these effects.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham conducted a randomized, double-blinded study involving 23 healthy adults to explore this connection. Participants consumed a high-fat meal—two butter croissants with salted butter and cheddar cheese, plus a glass of whole milk. Alongside the meal, one group drank cocoa enriched with flavanols (antioxidants found in foods like berries, tea, and nuts), while the other consumed cocoa with low flavanol content.
The participants were then subjected to a stress-inducing task: solving mental math problems under pressure. On a different day, they repeated the experiment but switched the type of cocoa beverage they consumed.
Following the fatty meal and stress test, researchers measured changes in the diameter of two key arteries: the brachial artery (supplying blood to the body) and the carotid artery (supplying blood to the brain). Results showed that the brachial artery in participants who drank low-flavanol cocoa remained slower to recover even 90 minutes after the meal and stress. This delayed response could correlate with a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular problems in the future.
However, those who consumed high-flavanol cocoa displayed better vascular function. Their brachial arteries were more responsive to changes in blood flow, indicating a protective effect against stress-induced vascular impairments.
“This is the first study to demonstrate that high-flavanol cocoa can reduce stress-related declines in vascular function after a high-fat meal,” said Rosalind Baynham, the lead physiologist on the study.
While most Western diets fall short of the recommended daily flavanol intake—about the equivalent of two cups of tea—this research highlights how these compounds might improve cardiovascular health. In the study, the flavanol dose used was comparable to two cups of green tea, 300 grams (10.6 ounces) of berries, or 5.5 tablespoons of raw cocoa.
Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, a biological psychologist at Birmingham, noted the potential impact: “For those with busy, high-pressure lifestyles or who turn to comfort foods when stressed, small changes like incorporating flavanol-rich foods can make a significant difference.”
Interestingly, the study found no immediate effects of high-flavanol cocoa on brain blood flow or oxygenation, though prior research has hinted at cognitive benefits. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Nutritional scientist Catarina Rendeiro emphasized the study’s practical takeaways: “Incorporating flavanol-rich foods into our diets can help offset some of the negative effects of poor dietary choices, especially during stressful periods.”
This research offers a promising step toward making better-informed dietary choices for stress management and overall heart health.
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