For many, indulging in comfort foods during stressful times offers a temporary sense of relief. however, science reveals that these feel-good choices often come with hidden health consequences. Now,a new study offers a glimmer of hope,suggesting that pairing a high-fat meal with a specific type of cocoa coudl perhaps counteract some of the negative impacts on cardiovascular health.
It’s well-established that even brief episodes of stress can temporarily impair the function of our arteries. While fatty foods might provide momentary comfort, research indicates that saturated fats can exacerbate stress on the cardiovascular system, delaying recovery.
Fortunately, a potential antidote may lie in a surprising source: dessert. A recent randomized, double-blind trial conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham has shown that consuming cocoa powder rich in antioxidants could potentially mitigate the decline in vascular function associated with stress and high-fat meals.
The study involved 23 healthy adults who consumed a high-fat meal consisting of two butter croissants with salted butter and cheddar cheese, along with a glass of whole milk. Half of the participants then drank a cocoa beverage high in flavanols, powerful antioxidants found in plant-based foods like berries, tea, apples, pears, and some nuts. The other half received a cocoa beverage with low levels of flavanols.
To induce stress, participants were subjected to a universally dreaded experience: a mental math test. In a second session,participants switched beverage types to ensure complete results.
Following the fatty meal and stressful event, researchers observed an increase in the diameter of both the brachial and carotid arteries in all participants. The brachial artery delivers oxygenated blood to the body, while the carotid artery supplies oxygenated blood to the brain.
Notably, the brachial artery of those who consumed the low-flavanol cocoa took significantly longer to recover. Up to 90 minutes after the meal and stress test, this artery continued to exhibit impaired responsiveness to changes in blood flow.
“To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that high-flavanol cocoa can attenuate the stress-induced decline in brachial flow-mediated dilatation following a high-fat meal,” write the authors, led by physiologist Rosalind Baynham.
this level of impairment, though slight, has been linked to a 9 to 13 percent increased risk of future cardiovascular events. Though, participants who consumed the high-flavanol cocoa showed some protection against these impairments. Thier brachial artery demonstrated improved responsiveness to blood flow changes compared to the low-flavanol group.
The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating flavanol-rich foods, such as cocoa, into our diets. Most people following a typical Western diet do not consume the recommended daily amount of flavanols, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of black or green tea.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings,this study offers a promising avenue for mitigating the negative cardiovascular effects of stress and high-fat meals.
New research suggests that indulging in a treat rich in cocoa flavanols might offer a surprising health benefit: protection against the negative effects of unhealthy food choices during times of stress.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham found that consuming high-flavanol cocoa powder mitigated some of the detrimental impacts of a high-fat meal on blood vessel function in individuals experiencing mental stress. “Some limited evidence suggests these bioactive compounds can improve cardiovascular health and cognitive function,” the researchers noted.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the current trial provides promising support for the potential cardiovascular benefits of flavanols. The high dose of flavanols used in the experiment, equivalent to two cups of green tea, 5.5 tablespoons of unprocessed cocoa, or 300 grams of berries, highlights the significant impact these compounds could have.
“For those who tend to reach for a treat when stressed or depend on convenient food because they work high-pressure jobs or are time-poor, incorporating some of these small changes could make a real difference,” says biological psychologist Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten from Birmingham.
Interestingly,the study did not find that high-flavanol cocoa impacted blood flow or oxygenation of the brain following stress. Future experiments with larger sample sizes could help clarify this result, especially as previous studies on flavanols have hinted at cognitive benefits.
“This research shows that drinking or eating a food high in flavanols can be used as a strategy to mitigate some of the impact of poorer food choices on the vascular system,” says nutritional scientist Catarina Rendeiro.
“This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful periods.”
the study was published in Food and Function.
## Can Cocoa Combat Comfort Food Consequences?
**World Today News:** Stress eating is a common coping mechanism, but indulging in high-fat comfort foods can negatively impact cardiovascular health. A new study from the University of Birmingham offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that a specific type of cocoa might help counteract these negative effects.
To learn more about this research, we spoke with Dr. Rosalind Baynham, the study’s lead author and a physiologist at the University of Birmingham.
**World Today News:** Dr. Baynham, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about the premise of your study?
**dr. Baynham:** We certainly know that stress can temporarily impair the function of our arteries. This can be further exacerbated by consuming a high-fat meal. We wanted to investigate if there was a way to mitigate these negative effects.
**World Today News:** and you focused on cocoa?
**Dr. Baynham:** yes, cocoa powder rich in flavanols, which are powerful antioxidants found in plant-based foods. Previous research has shown that flavanols have beneficial effects on blood vessels.
**World Today News:** Can you walk us through the study design?
**Dr. Baynham:** We had 23 healthy adults consume a high-fat meal consisting of croissants, butter, cheese, and milk. Half of the participants then drank a cocoa beverage high in flavanols, while the other half received a cocoa beverage with low levels of flavanols. We then subjected them to a mental arithmetic test to induce stress.
**world Today News:** What were your key findings?
**Dr. Baynham:** We observed that after the meal and stress test, all participants experienced a dilation of both the brachial and carotid arteries. Though, the brachial artery of those who consumed the low-flavanol cocoa took considerably longer to recover and return to normal function.
**World Today News:** Why is this significant?
**Dr. Baynham:** this level of delayed recovery, while relatively small, has been linked to an increased risk of future cardiovascular events.
**World today News:** Those who consumed the high-flavanol cocoa displayed better artery function?
**Dr. Baynham:** Exactly. Their brachial artery showed improved responsiveness to changes in blood flow compared to the low-flavanol group. It suggests a protective affect.
**World Today News:** These findings are certainly encouraging. What future research do you envision based on this study?
**Dr. Baynham:** We need further research with larger participant groups and longer-term studies to confirm these results. We also want to investigate the optimal dose and type of flavanol-rich cocoa for maximum benefit.
**World Today News:** Thank you Dr.Baynham for sharing your expert insights with us today.
