November 19, 2024

Cocoa, Green Tea May Combat Stress-Eating Effects

Stress-eating fatty foods like cookies, chips, or ice cream is a common response to pressure, but a cup of cocoa or green tea might help protect your health, according to a recent study. Researchers discovered that drinking cocoa high in flavanols alongside a fatty meal can offset some of the negative effects fats have on the body, particularly on blood vessel function.

"Flavanols are a type of compound that occur in different fruits, vegetables, tea and nuts, including berries and unprocessed cocoa," explained Rosalind Baynham, lead investigator and research fellow at the University of Birmingham in Britain. "Flavanols are known to have health benefits, particularly for regulating blood pressure and protecting cardiovascular health."

In the study, young and healthy adults consumed a breakfast of butter croissants, cheddar cheese, and whole milk, with participants randomly assigned to drink either high- or low-flavanol cocoa. They then completed a stressful math test while researchers monitored their blood vessel function and heart activity. Baynham noted that "this stress task induced significant increases in heart rate and blood pressure, similar to the stress you may encounter in daily life."

Participants who paired fatty foods with low-flavanol cocoa experienced reduced blood vessel function under stress, which persisted for up to 90 minutes after the test. However, the high-flavanol cocoa prevented this decline, maintaining significantly better blood vessel function at both 30 and 90 minutes post-test.

"This research shows that drinking or eating a food high in flavanols can be used as a strategy to mitigate some of the impact of poorer food choices on the vascular system," said Catarina Rendeiro, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Birmingham. "This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful periods."

The findings, published in the journal Food & Function, suggest people should opt for minimally processed cocoa powder or green or black tea to gain similar benefits. Current guidelines recommend consuming 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols daily, achievable through two cups of tea or a combination of berries, apples, and high-quality cocoa.

"Modern life is stressful and the impact of stress on our health and the economy has been well documented," added Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten, professor of biological psychology at the University of Birmingham. "For those who tend to reach for a treat when stressed or depend on convenient food because they work high-pressure jobs or are time-poor, incorporating some of these small changes could make a real difference."