Cocoa May Help Counteract Stress Effects from Fatty Foods, New Study Finds
A recent study suggests that drinking cocoa could help people recover faster from stress, especially after consuming those often tempting, high-fat comfort foods. Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK found that cocoa might provide a way to lessen the body’s response to stress brought on by unhealthy eating habits.
Stress can have a significant impact on our bodies, and when we indulge in fatty foods during these times, it can make recovery even harder. Previous research by the same team indicated that high-fat meals could lead to poorer blood vessel function and delayed recovery during stressful situations.
The key player in cocoa is a substance called epicatechin, a flavonoid that helps relax the inner lining of blood vessels. This relaxation can improve blood flow and potentially lower high blood pressure, a common reaction to stress.
In this study, 23 healthy young adults were given a high-fat meal along with either a cocoa drink rich in epicatechin or a lower-epicatechin version before completing a stressful mental task. The researchers measured their blood vessel function before and after the task, focusing on how well arteries widened in response to increased blood flow.
Interestingly, those who consumed the cocoa with higher levels of epicatechin showed a quicker recovery in blood vessel dilation compared to those who had the lower-epicatechin drink. While other measurements such as blood pressure and mood did not show significant differences between the two groups, the improved vascular response showcased cocoa’s potential benefits.
Lead author Catarina Rendeiro, a lecturer in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Birmingham, noted that stressful jobs can increase cardiovascular risks significantly. She emphasized that ongoing stress can lead to lasting changes in blood vessel function, possibly raising the risk of heart disease.
Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist not involved in the study, explained that prolonged stress elevates stress hormones and can lead to increased inflammation and blood pressure, ultimately putting individuals at risk for serious heart conditions.
Despite the comforting nature of fatty foods, researchers strongly advised avoiding them during stressful moments, especially for those with high-stress careers. Rendeiro pointed out that even minor decreases in blood vessel function can substantially raise cardiovascular disease risks.
The study also raised questions about why fatty foods hinder recovery, hinting that they can increase harmful substances in the blood that negatively impact blood vessel function. However, cocoa’s effects may help counteract this issue by boosting levels of nitric oxide, which supports vascular health.
The findings bring good news, especially for those managing stress and occasional unhealthy eating. Rendeiro suggested that adding flavanol-rich foods, like cocoa, to high-fat meals might help reduce the combined negative effects of stress and fat on vascular function.
For those looking for sources of flavanols, the study notes that options include unprocessed cocoa, green tea, or berries, which can provide similar benefits as the cocoa used in the research. While experts do not encourage indulging in fatty foods during stress, having a strategy like incorporating cocoa could help mitigate some of the damage.
