Boost Your Health: How Cocoa Drinks Counteract Fatty Foods’ Negative Effects

Combining Some Drinks with Food Can Have a Positive Effect

Scientists have discovered that cocoa can reduce negative effects from fatty foods. Foods cannot easily be labeled as strictly ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Fats, sugars, and carbohydrates are all necessary in our diet. Problems arise from consuming these in excess or in an unbalanced way.

High consumption of fatty or processed foods can negatively affect cardiovascular health, increasing heart disease risk. However, researchers have found that certain drinks can lessen the harmful effects of unhealthy foods, particularly during periods of stress.

In a study published in the Food & Function journal, 23 healthy participants, average age 22, consumed more fats and sugars than advised. Their morning meal included two croissants with butter, cheddar cheese, and whole milk. Half of the participants drank a low-flavanol cocoa drink, while the rest consumed a high-flavanol cocoa drink.

The low-flavanol cocoa was made from alkalized cocoa powder, and the high-flavanol drink used non-alkalized powder. Both drinks contained 12 grams of cocoa powder in 250 milliliters of whole milk.

After an eight-minute break, participants faced an oral arithmetic test designed to induce stress, which raised their heart rates and blood pressure. Those who drank the low-flavanol cocoa saw decreased vascular activity lasting up to 90 minutes. In contrast, the high-flavanol group experienced reduced vascular activity for just 30 minutes.

The study aimed to reflect real-life situations where people often eat unhealthy foods during stressful times, risking their vascular health. The research showed that flavanol-rich products can protect against such effects.

The researchers noted, “Flavanols can counteract declines in endothelial function induced by fat consumption during stress.” Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, the lead author, emphasized the tendency to choose high-fat foods when stressed. She wanted to test whether adding a high-flavanol food could lessen the negative impact of stress.

Study first author Rosalind Baynham explained that flavanols are compounds found in various fruits, vegetables, tea, and unprocessed cocoa. They are linked to health benefits, especially for heart health.

Rendeiro recommends looking for minimally processed cocoa powder for health benefits. Drinks like green tea and black tea are also high in flavanols. Consuming two cups of such tea daily can meet the recommended intake of 400-600 mg of flavanols.