The surprising health benefits drinking a mug of cocoa could have for men
As the clocks have just gone back and the evenings are getting darker, sitting down with a cup of hot cocoa becomes quite inviting. But now scientists have found that it may be good for men who can’t go out and exercise.
Sitting for long periods of time, whether at a desk or in the car, is unhealthy for the heart because it reduces blood flow to the arteries, potentially putting people at risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, one study concluded that drinking cocoa before sitting for hours helps protect the arteries because it contains flavanols.
Flavanols, natural compounds found in tea, berries, apples and cocoa, have been linked to better heart health in studies.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham studied 40 healthy young men, half of whom were physically healthy and the other half less healthy. They each drank either a cocoa drink rich in flavanols (at least 695 mg) or a cocoa drink containing almost none (5.6 mg) and then sat still for two hours.
Scientists analyzed blood pressure and oxygen levels in their leg muscles, as well as the elasticity of their arteries, a sign of good blood flow.
After the low-flavanol drink, both groups showed signs of decreased arterial function and increased blood pressure. However, there was no decrease in arterial performance in those who consumed high-flavanol cocoa.
Published in the study Journal of PhysiologyIt’s the first time flavanols have been shown to stop the usual blood vessel collapse caused by sitting for too long, he said.
Researchers found that even being fit does not provide full protection against the effects of sitting for long periods of time.
Their study examined only men, as the researchers said hormone changes during the menstrual cycle may affect the functioning of flavanols in women and they wanted to examine this in a future trial.
Last year, researchers found that during times of stress, a cup of cocoa may protect you from the negative effects of fatty, comfort foods.
Dr Catarina Rendeiro, from the University of Birmingham, said: “Our research shows that consuming high-flavanol foods and drinks during periods spent sitting is a good way to reduce some of the impact of inactivity on the vascular system.”
PhD student Alessio Daniele said: “It’s actually quite easy to add foods high in flavanols to your diet. Supermarkets and health shops offer cocoa products processed using methods that preserve flavanol levels.”
“If cocoa isn’t your thing, fruits like apples, plums and berries, nuts, and black and green tea are all common kitchen ingredients.”
