Khaberni - A recent study revealed that consuming high-flavanol cocoa before sitting for long periods can protect vascular functions in the body.
The study showed that consuming a flavanol-rich cocoa drink before long sitting sessions maintains the health of blood vessels and prevents their deterioration, regardless of the physical fitness level of the youth.
The study included 24 young adults in good health aged between 18 and34 years, divided into two groups based on their cardiorespiratory fitness: high and low. Participants underwent a two-hour sitting session after consuming a high-flavanol cocoa drink or a low-flavanol placebo drink, and the vascular endothelial function in the arms and legs was measured.
Results showed that prolonged sitting caused deterioration in vascular function when consuming the placebo drink, while the flavanol-rich cocoa drink completely maintained vessel health in both limbs, irrespective of the physical fitness level.
Researchers attributed the benefit to the ability of cocoa flavanols to enhance the production of nitric oxide responsible for the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. The study suggests that consuming dark cocoa before long sitting periods represents a practical preventive way to support heart and vascular health, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and reducing sitting for comprehensive health benefits.
