Flavonoids from cocoa powder can protect the body from the negative effects of fatty foods. A cup of cocoa made from fat-free powder without any added sugar, or extra dark chocolate with a cocoa content of over eighty percent, can help people mitigate the effects of eating extra unhealthy foodswhich are rich in simple sugars and saturated fats – i.e. fast food.
In addition to cocoa, flavonoids are also found in apples and tea. “We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate towards high-fat foods. We have previously shown that fatty food can impair the body’s vascular recovery from stress. In this study, we wanted to see if adding a food high in flavonoids to a fatty meal would reduce the negative impact of stress on the body,” said Dr. Catarina Rendeir from the University of Birmingham.
“This research shows that drinking or eating food high in flavonoids can be used as a strategy to mitigate some of the effects of poorer food choices on the vascular system. This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during times of stress,” Dr. Rendeir added.
“Modern life is stressful and the impact of stress on our health and economy has been well documented, so any changes we can make to protect ourselves from some of the symptoms of stress are positive. For those who tend to reach for a treat when stressed or addicted to certain foods because they work under high pressure or are short on time, incorporating some of these small changes could make a real difference.concluded Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten from the University of Birmingham in an interview with The Independent.
