Cocoa Flavanols Boost Vascular Health During Stress and After High-Fat Meals
A study by the University of Birmingham, UK, has revealed that cocoa flavanols can improve healthcare during stressful moments and after consuming high-fat meals. The research, published in Frontiers in Nutrition in May 2021, suggests that incorporating flavanol-rich foods into our health insurance, especially during high-stress periods, could protect cardiovascular function.
The study, titled 'Acute effects of cocoa flavanols on mood, cognitive function, and haemodynamic responses during exercise and recovery', found that participants who consumed a high-flavanol cocoa drink experienced better endothelial function and quicker recovery of healthcare marketplace after a stressful task, compared to those who received a placebo. This effect was seen even after a high-fat meal. Notably, the flavanols did not significantly alter mood or brain oxygenation, indicating specific benefits for healthcare. The University of Birmingham is not the only institution researching cocoa flavanols, but they led this specific investigation into the interaction of stress, high-fat meals, and cocoa flavanols.
The study highlights the potential of cocoa flavanols to preserve healthcare during stressful moments and after consuming high-fat meals. Health experts recommend a daily intake of between 400 to 600 mg of flavanols, which can be found in foods like berries and nuts. Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten suggests swapping traditional comfort foods for health insurance-rich options, especially for busy individuals under high pressure, to maintain physical health.
