Recent research suggests you might want to sip on some cocoa or green tea the next time life gets stressful and fatty foods are calling your name. A study led by the University of Birmingham reveals how these drinks, rich in flavanols, can help combat the negative effects of indulgent eating during stressful moments.
The finding is particularly relevant since people often gravitate toward high-fat comfort foods when stressed. A behavioral habit not just bad for the waistline, it turns out, but also potentially harmful to the heart. Flavanols, which are present in foods like cocoa, green tea, apples, and some berries, are known for their beneficial effects on heart health and blood pressure regulation.
Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, assistant professor of nutritional sciences and the study’s lead author, noted, “We know from our previous research and others’ work, high-fat foods can impair the body’s vascular recovery from stress. We aimed to see if adding something high in flavanols to these meals could alleviate the negative impact stress has on our bodies.”
The study included 23 healthy adults who enjoyed breakfast consisting of two buttery croissants, cheddar cheese, and whole milk. They then had either high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drinks. Following eight minutes of rest, participants tackled a mental maths test meant to induce stress, eliciting heart rate and blood pressure increases similar to everyday life stresses.
The researchers found distressing tasks led to reduced blood vessel function when participants consumed fatty foods paired with low-flavanol drinks. This impaired function lasted for up to 90 minutes after the stress concluded. Conversely, those who had high-flavanol cocoa maintained healthier blood vessel function post-consumption after stressful activities.
This study's findings, published recently in the journal Food and Function, highlight not only the protective qualities of these flavanol-rich drinks but also the importance of making informed dietary choices when faced with stress. Dr. Rendeiro suggested, "This research shows drinking or eating foods high in flavanols could be strategic for protecting our vascular system and making healthier choices when times are tough."
Dr. Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, another author of the study and professor of biological psychology, emphasized the relevance of modern life stresses on health. He expressed confidence stating, “Small lifestyle changes can have significant effects, particularly for those who often resort to quick and easy delicious but unhealthy food options due to high-pressure jobs.”
The study aligns with earlier findings from the Birmingham researchers, showing high-fat diets impair blood vessel function and oxygen delivery to the brain during stressful times. But it turns out flavanols like those found abundantly in cocoa and green tea can offer protective benefits during life’s more stressful moments.
So, next time you’re confronted with stress and tempted to reach for high-fat convenience food, take a moment to grab yourself a cup of minimally processed cocoa or green tea. This simple change could mean the difference between suffering those pesky cardiovascular impacts or staying healthy.
Remember: not all cocoa is created equal! Experts recommend scouting out minimally processed cocoa powders at the supermarket. And if cocoa isn't your thing, other delicious alternatives for increasing flavanol intake include black tea and juicy berries. Studies suggest aiming for 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols per day, easily achievable with two cups of black or green tea or via various berry-rich smoothie recipes.
Modern-day stress, no doubt, impacts both our mental and physical health, making it increasingly important to seek simple dietary strategies to help combat those effects. Adding high-flavanol foods such as cocoa and green tea to your pantry might soon be at the top of your to-do list. Next time life gets overwhelming, perhaps it’s time to put the focus on what you drink - and sip your way to health by pairing those naughty treats with something beneficial for the heart.
