Hot Cocoa May Reverse Harmful Effects of Prolonged Sitting, Study Finds
A daily cup of hot cocoa, rich in naturally occurring compounds, could mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of extended periods of sitting, according to research published today.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham in the UK discovered that flavanols – heart-healthy compounds found in cocoa – help maintain blood vessel function even during prolonged inactivity. The study, involving 40 young men aged 18 to 34, showed that those who consumed a high-flavanol cocoa drink before sitting for two hours experienced no decline in blood vessel function in either their arm or leg arteries. This is particularly relevant as sedentary lifestyles contribute to a rising incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that prolonged sitting impairs blood vessel function by reducing blood flow and the availability of nitric oxide, a molecule crucial for widening blood vessels. Participants who drank cocoa with low flavanol levels experienced a significant decrease in blood vessel function, while those consuming the high-flavanol version were protected. “Even though we are not moving our bodies, we are still putting them under stress,” said Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, lead author of the study. “Finding ways to mitigate the impact that sitting for uninterrupted periods has on our vascular system could help us cut the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.” The findings, published in the Journal of Physiology, suggest dietary interventions could play a role in counteracting the health risks of modern, sedentary work environments. For more information on heart health, visit the American Heart Association.
The study also revealed that a person’s baseline fitness level did not influence the protective effects of flavanols, meaning both highly fit and less fit individuals benefited equally. Researchers noted that this discovery comes amid concerning trends, including a recent reversal in declining heart failure death rates, potentially linked to the long-term effects of sedentary behavior.
Dr. Rendeiro stated that combining flavanol-rich foods and drinks with regular breaks from sitting – such as short walks or simply standing up – could be a beneficial strategy for long-term health.
