Cocoa Flavanols Protect Vascular Health During Stress: Birmingham Study
A new study from the University of Birmingham has found that cocoa flavanols can protect vascular health, especially during stressful moments. The research, led by Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, suggests that incorporating whole foods into one's diet, particularly during high-stress periods, could be a beneficial strategy for protecting cardiovascular function. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that participants who consumed a high-flavanol cocoa drink experienced no decline in vascular function, even after being subjected to a stressful task. In contrast, those who had a low-flavanol cocoa drink experienced reduced vascular function for up to 90 minutes post-stress. The benefits were specific to vascular health, with no significant impact on brain oxygenation or mood. Flavanols, found in foods like berries, nuts, and cocoa, can help preserve physical health. Health experts recommend a daily intake of between 400 to 600 mg of flavanols. These compounds promote blood flow and regulate blood pressure, two key factors in cardiovascular health. The authors of the research project are Hamed Jafari, Agnes Meyer, Thomas Keiser, and Christian Schindler, and the project was conducted at the Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Switzerland. The study's findings suggest that swapping traditional comfort foods for whole foods could be a practical way to protect cardiovascular health during stressful periods. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and form of flavanols for maximum benefit.
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