Flavonol-rich foods show promise in protecting vascular health during stress, but cerebral benefits remain unclear. Study: 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 . Image Credit: Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock.
com Stress and unhealthy dietary choices often go hand-in-hand, creating a vicious cycle that can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Acute mental stress is known to impair vascular function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) over time. This issue is further compounded when individuals under stress consume high-fat meals, which are associated with delayed vascular recovery.
A recent study published in Food & Function investigated whether cocoa flavonols—compounds found in certain fruits, vegetables, and cocoa products—could mitigate these harmful effects. The randomized, double-blinded, crossover study involved 23 young, healthy adults who were given a high-fat meal (56.5 g of fat) accompanied by either high-flavonol cocoa or low-flavonol cocoa.
The participants then underwent an acute stress task designed to mimic real-world mental stress. Researchers measured vascular and cerebral parameters before and after the stress task to evaluate the protective potential of cocoa flavonols. Stress, diet, and cardiovascular impairments Stress has long been linked to acute and chronic cardiovascular problems.
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