In a fascinating turn of events, recent research has revealed that indulging in cocoa can offer protective benefits against the adverse effects of high-fat meals and stress. This discovery holds promise for those who often grapple with the temptation of comfort foods during stressful times.
It is well-documented that stress can lead to temporary impairments in the function of the body’s arteries. When combined with the consumption of fatty foods, this can exacerbate cardiovascular issues, making it crucial to find effective ways to mitigate these effects. Fortunately, scientists from the University of Birmingham have found a potential remedy in high-flavanol cocoa.
In a carefully designed randomized, double-blinded trial, researchers studied a group of 23 healthy adults to assess the impact of cocoa on vascular function. Participants were served a meal consisting of two buttery croissants topped with salted butter and cheddar cheese, accompanied by a glass of whole milk. Following this indulgent meal, half of the participants consumed a cocoa beverage rich in flavanols, while the other half opted for a low-flavanol cocoa drink.
To introduce a layer of stress, participants then faced a universally stressful task: a mental math test. The researchers aimed to observe how the body responded to both the high-fat meal and the subsequent stress.
In a follow-up session, participants switched their cocoa drinks, allowing researchers to compare the effects of high-flavanol versus low-flavanol cocoa on vascular function after the same meal and stressor.
The results were striking. Following the consumption of the fatty meal and the stress test, researchers noted a significant increase in the diameter of both the brachial and carotid arteries among participants. The brachial artery is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body, while the carotid artery supplies blood to the brain.
However, the findings revealed a concerning trend: participants who consumed the low-flavanol cocoa experienced a delayed recovery in their brachial artery’s ability to respond to blood flow changes. Even after 90 minutes had passed since the meal and stress test, the brachial artery of this group showed impaired functionality. This level of impairment is particularly alarming, as it has been linked to a 9 to 13 percent increased risk of future cardiovascular events.
On a more positive note, those who enjoyed the high-flavanol cocoa showed a marked improvement in their vascular response. Their brachial artery exhibited better functionality compared to their low-flavanol counterparts, suggesting that high-flavanol cocoa may serve as a protective agent against stress-induced vascular decline.
According to the study’s lead author, physiologist Rosalind Baynham, this research is groundbreaking as it is the first to demonstrate that high-flavanol cocoa can effectively mitigate the decline in brachial flow-mediated dilatation that typically follows a high-fat meal.
As the Western diet continues to trend towards higher fat content, the implications of these findings could be significant. Many individuals may not be consuming the recommended levels of flavanols, which are abundant in various plant-based foods, including berries, tea, apples, pears, and certain nuts. By incorporating high-flavanol cocoa into their diets, people may find a delicious way to enhance their cardiovascular health while still enjoying the occasional indulgence.
Overall, this research sheds light on the potential health benefits of cocoa, specifically its high-flavanol variant, and presents an intriguing option for those looking to balance enjoyment and health in their dietary choices.
