Eating a cup of cocoa or drinking green tea might be more beneficial than you think, especially when it comes to combating the negative effects of fatty comfort foods during stressful times. Research indicates that making small changes in your food choices could significantly impact your body’s response to stress, particularly benefiting heart health, according to experts.
It turns out that flavanols present in certain foods like cocoa, green tea, and apples offer a wide range of health advantages. These compounds are known for their ability to regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. In a recent study published in the journal Food and Function, researchers discovered that consuming fatty foods alongside a low-flavanol beverage during times of stress led to a decrease in blood vessel function for up to 90 minutes after the stressful event. However, when participants drank a high-flavanol cocoa beverage with a fatty meal, the negative impact on blood vessel function following stress and fat consumption was prevented.
Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor in nutritional sciences at the University of Birmingham, explained the rationale behind the research. She highlighted that stress often triggers individuals to opt for high-fat foods, which can hinder the body’s ability to recover from stress. By incorporating high-flavanol foods like cocoa into the diet, it might help counteract the detrimental effects of stress on the body.
Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, a biological psychology expert at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of mitigating the impact of stress on health, given the prevalent nature of stress in modern life. Making small dietary changes, particularly for individuals who turn to indulgent treats or convenience foods during stressful periods, could have a positive influence on overall well-being.
Previous research conducted by the Birmingham team revealed that high-fat foods could impair blood vessel function and oxygen delivery to the brain. In contrast, flavanols were found to offer protective effects during stressful situations. These findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating cocoa or green tea into one’s diet, especially when dealing with stress and consuming fatty foods.
By making simple yet effective changes to your food choices, such as opting for a cup of cocoa or green tea instead of a fatty snack during stressful times, you can proactively support your body’s response to stress and promote better overall health. Remember, small adjustments in your diet can make a significant difference in how your body copes with stress and maintains cardiovascular well-being.