Cocoa & Circulation: A Summary
This study investigated how flavanols – compounds found in cocoa, fruits, and tea – impact vascular health during prolonged sitting. Researchers found that a high-flavanol cocoa drink prevented the typical decline in blood vessel function seen after two hours of sitting, nonetheless of a person’s fitness level.
Both fit and less-fit participants consuming a low-flavanol drink experienced negative vascular effects, while those drinking the high-flavanol version maintained healthy blood vessel function. This suggests incorporating flavanol-rich foods into your diet, alongside regular movement breaks, could be a simple way to combat the cardiovascular risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. Cardiovascular disease is a growing concern, costing the UK an estimated £29 billion annually and seeing a rise in deaths among working-aged adults.
