A recent study from the University of Birmingham found that drinking cocoa may help improve recovery from the physiological effects of stress.
Drinking cocoa might help us recover faster from stress, especially when compared to high-fat comfort foods that many people turn to during stressful times. This is the conclusion of a recent study from the University of Birmingham.
The study’s authors previously found that eating fatty foods can harm blood vessel function and slow recovery from stress. Cocoa, however, contains a flavonoid called epicatechin, which helps relax blood vessels, improve their function, and reduce the elevated blood pressure often caused by stress, according to MedicalNewsToday.
For this new study, 23 young, healthy adults consumed a high-fat meal along with either a high- or low-epicatechin cocoa drink before undergoing a mental stress test. Researchers measured their blood vessel function before and after the stress task. In those who drank the high-epicatechin cocoa, their blood vessel function improved more quickly after the stress test, suggesting faster recovery.
While other stress effects, like mood and blood pressure, showed no difference between the two groups, the cocoa’s ability to help with blood vessel function was clear.
The researchers also emphasized that high-fat foods might make stress worse. While fatty foods are comforting, they can impair vascular function, especially when consumed regularly under stress. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, particularly for those with stressful jobs, as per MedicalNewsToday.
Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, the study’s lead author, noted that constant stress could raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 40 percent. Long-term stress can lead to higher levels of stress hormones, inflammation, and blood pressure, which can cause heart problems over time.
Cocoa flavanols, like epicatechin, can help by increasing nitric oxide levels, which improve blood flow. This might help counter the negative effects of stress and high-fat meals.
Other foods with flavanols, such as green tea, apples, berries, and grapes, can also support heart health and improve recovery from stress.
While cocoa doesn’t affect brain oxygen levels during stress, it can still be a useful tool for reducing the impact of stress on blood vessels. So, if you do indulge in fatty foods during stressful times, adding cocoa or other flavanol-rich foods could help protect your vascular health, as per MedicalNewsToday.
The study suggests that you can get the same benefits from eating 5.5 tablespoons of unprocessed cocoa, 2 cups of green tea, or 300 grams of berries.