Flavanols, naturally occurring in foods like berries and nuts, can go a long way in preserving physical health.
A recent study points to the role of cocoa flavanols in preserving vascular health, particularly during stressful moments. The link is strongest combined with a high-fat meal. Conducted by the University of Birmingham, the research details an intriguing interplay between diet, stress, and vascular health, shedding light on how cocoa’s natural compounds might offer protective benefits.
When individuals experience stress, they often crave comfort foods, especially those that are high in fat and sugar, which can negatively impact the heart. When an individual is experiencing overwhelm, these choices can impact cardiovascular health by diminishing blood flow and reducing oxygen delivery to the brain. Considering what is already known about the benefits of cocoa, researchers wanted to investigate whether a flavanol-rich cocoa drink could help safeguard vascular function against these effects, even after consuming a high-fat meal.
The study involved young, healthy adults who were given a breakfast rich in fat, including items like butter croissants, cheese, and whole milk. Participants also received either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. After eating, they were asked to perform a challenging mental math test to increase stress levels. Throughout the rest period and the test, researchers closely monitored cardiovascular indicators, such as blood flow, heart rate, and blood pressure. They also examined prefrontal cortex oxygenation and vascular function using Brachial Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), which assesses blood vessel health.
The high-flavanol cocoa drink showed notable benefits, preventing the decline in vascular function usually seen when stress is heightened. In contrast, participants who had the low-flavanol cocoa option experienced reduced vascular function, an effect that persisted for up to 90 minutes post-stress. These results imply that flavanols, abundant in cocoa, can help the vascular system better manage the strain from high-fat foods and stress. However, researchers observed that the cocoa flavanols did not impact oxygenation in the brain or significantly alter mood, suggesting the effects are specific to vascular health.
The preparation of the cocoa drinks was carefully controlled to ensure consistency in flavanol content. The low-flavanol cocoa was treated with an alkalization process common in chocolate production, which enhances flavor but significantly reduces flavanol levels. The high-flavanol cocoa, however, retained a much higher flavanol content, thanks to minimal processing. This difference was important, as it demonstrated the high-flavanol drink’s ability to support vascular health.
Flavanols, naturally occurring in foods like berries, nuts, and tea, have long been valued for their cardiovascular benefits. They work by promoting blood flow and regulating blood pressure, two key factors in cardiovascular health. With modern life contributing to widespread stress, even small dietary adjustments may have significant health implications. Incorporating flavanol-rich foods, particularly during high-stress periods, could be a beneficial strategy for protecting cardiovascular function.
These findings align with recent recommendations to incorporate more flavanols into one’s diet, too, with health experts suggesting a daily intake of between 400 to 600 mg. For those frequently under stress, making these dietary shifts could have a significant impact on quality of life over time.
Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten from the University of Birmingham, one of the study’s authors, noted, in the broader sense, individuals who lead busy, high-pressure lives with no time to prioritize nutrition should consider swapping out traditional comfort foods for flavanol-rich options.
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