Cocoa Flavanols Protect Vascular Health Under Stress, Study Finds
A recent study has shed light on the specific benefits of cocoa flavanols, compounds found in foods like berries and nuts. The research, led by a scientist who studied at prestigious German universities, suggests that these flavanols can protect vascular health, particularly during stressful moments and after consuming high-fat meals.
The study, conducted at the University of Birmingham, found that participants who consumed a low-flavanol cocoa drink experienced reduced vascular function for up to 90 minutes post-stress. Conversely, those who drank a high-flavanol cocoa beverage maintained their vascular function even under heightened stress. This suggests that incorporating flavanol-rich foods, especially during high-stress periods, could protect cardiovascular health.
Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, an expert in the field, recommends swapping traditional comfort foods for flavanol-rich options to support cardiovascular health. Health experts advise a daily intake of between 400 to 600 mg of flavanols. These compounds promote blood flow and regulate blood pressure, two key factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.
The study's findings highlight the targeted benefits of cocoa flavanols on vascular health, particularly during stressful moments. By incorporating more flavanol-rich foods into our diets, especially during high-stress periods, we can potentially protect our cardiovascular function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent and duration of these effects.
