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A recent study from the University of Birmingham has found that drinking cocoa rich in flavanols can help protect the vascular system from stress, even after consuming high-fat foods. This new research, published in Food & Function on November 18, 2024, suggests that incorporating flavanol-rich cocoa into the diet could be an effective strategy to mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of stress and unhealthy eating habits.
During stressful periods, many individuals turn to high-fat foods, which can impair vascular function and oxygen delivery to the brain. In prior studies, the Birmingham research team demonstrated that high-fat meals negatively affect the body’s vascular recovery from stress. However, in their latest study, they explored whether adding a high-flavanol food like cocoa could offset these negative effects.
The Study Design
The team tested their hypothesis with a group of young, healthy adults. Participants were given a breakfast consisting of high-fat foods—a combination of butter croissants, cheddar cheese, and whole milk—along with either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. After a brief rest period, participants completed a mentally demanding math test, which was designed to induce stress. The researchers measured various cardiovascular indicators, including blood flow, heart rate, blood pressure, and tissue oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with stress regulation.
To examine the effects of flavanols, the researchers used two types of cocoa drinks: a low-flavanol cocoa made with alkalized cocoa powder, containing only 5.6 mg of flavanols per serving, and a high-flavanol cocoa made with non-alkalized cocoa powder, delivering 695 mg of flavanols per serving. The high-flavanol cocoa was found to significantly reduce the decline in vascular function following stress and fat consumption. Specifically, the vascular function, measured by Brachial Flow-mediated Dilatation (FMD), remained higher in those who drank the high-flavanol cocoa compared to those who consumed the low-flavanol cocoa.
Protecting Vascular Health
Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study, explained that the research highlights the potential of flavanols to alleviate the detrimental impact of stress on cardiovascular health. “We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate toward high-fat foods. In this study, we wanted to see if adding a high-flavanol food to the fatty meal would help protect the vascular system from the effects of stress,” she said.
Despite these positive findings, the high-flavanol cocoa did not improve cerebral oxygenation during stress or influence participants’ mood. However, the results suggest that flavanols could be an important dietary tool for supporting vascular health, particularly in stressful situations where people may be more prone to unhealthy eating choices.
A Simple Strategy for Better Health
For those looking to integrate more flavanols into their diet, the researchers recommend seeking out minimally processed cocoa powders. Additionally, green tea, black tea, and berries are all excellent sources of flavanols. Published guidelines suggest an intake of 400 to 600 mg of flavanols per day, which can be achieved by consuming a combination of these foods, such as two cups of black or green tea or a serving of berries alongside high-quality cocoa.
Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of these dietary adjustments. “Modern life is stressful, and the impact of stress on our health is well documented. Small changes, like incorporating flavanol-rich foods, could make a significant difference for those who are time-pressed or prone to unhealthy eating during stressful times.”
As stress continues to affect many individuals’ health, this study offers promising insights into how simple dietary interventions, like consuming flavanol-rich cocoa, can help protect the vascular system and promote better overall health.
Source:
University of Birmingham
Journal Reference:
Baynham, R., et al. (2024). Cocoa flavanols rescue stress-induced declines in endothelial function after a high-fat meal, but do not affect cerebral oxygenation during stress in young, healthy adults. Food & Function. doi.org/10.1039/d4fo03834g.
