In a world where stress and unhealthy eating habits often go hand in hand, new research from the University of Birmingham offers a glimmer of hope. The study reveals that flavanol-rich cocoa can protect the vascular system from the adverse effects of fatty foods during mental stress. Published in the journal Food and Function, this groundbreaking study could reshape how we approach stress eating.
Stress often drives people toward high-fat comfort foods, which, while temporarily soothing, can impair vascular function and reduce oxygen delivery to the brain. Researchers explained that flavanols, naturally occurring compounds found in unprocessed cocoa, berries, and green tea, could hold the key to mitigating these effects.
The research, led by Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, involved healthy young adults who consumed a high-fat breakfast paired with either a high-flavanol cocoa drink (695 mg flavanols) or a low-flavanol cocoa drink (5.6 mg flavanols). Afterward, participants completed a mental math test designed to induce stress. Measurements of blood flow, cardiovascular activity, and prefrontal cortex oxygenation were taken throughout the experiment.
Researchers said that the mental stress caused increases in heart rate and blood pressure, similar to those experienced in daily life, and impaired vascular function when paired with low-flavanol cocoa. However, the high-flavanol drink helped maintain vascular health even after stress and fatty food consumption.
The study found that low-flavanol cocoa combined with fatty food caused a 1.29% reduction in vascular function, lasting up to 90 minutes after the stress test. In contrast, high-flavanol cocoa prevented this decline, maintaining better vascular health.
While researchers noted that flavanols did not directly improve oxygen delivery to the brain or alter mood, they highlighted the compound's ability to protect cardiovascular health under stress.
The study emphasized the benefits of flavanols, compounds found in foods such as berries, nuts, tea, and minimally processed cocoa. Scientists pointed out that commercial cocoa often undergoes alkalization to enhance flavor, which significantly reduces flavanol content.
Scientists recommended consuming minimally processed cocoa to maximize health benefits.
Recent dietary guidelines suggest a daily flavanol intake of 400–600 mg. The researchers stated that this could be achieved through a combination of black or green tea, berries, apples, and cocoa.
The team highlighted the importance of making small dietary adjustments during periods of stress. They suggested that flavanol-rich foods could help protect the vascular system, particularly for people who often resort to high-fat convenience foods during busy or stressful times.
Co-author Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten pointed out that stress significantly impacts health, and incorporating flavanol-rich foods into daily routines could make a meaningful difference. The Professor noted that simple dietary changes, such as choosing cocoa or green tea over sugary drinks, could provide long-term cardiovascular benefits.
References:
1. University of Birmingham. (2024, November 18). Cocoa could protect you from the negative effects of fatty foods during mental stress - study. Retrieved from https://www.birmingham.ac.uk.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)