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Dec 07, 2024 11:16 am IST
A cup of hot cocoa can help reduce stress, and also curb unhealthy snacking habits. This is how it works.
Most of us are familiar with stress eating, when we grab something to snack on when we are stressed and anxious. However, a recent study led by Dr. Catarina Rendeiro of the University of Birmingham suggests that instead, we can indulge in something sweet that may also benefit our heart health. Read this also Stress Eating Is Very Real: Make These Healthy Changes to Avoid Weight Gain
A cup of hot cocoa is the winner of a healthy stress diet in a surprising study. “We know that when people are stressed, they gravitate towards high-fat foods,” said study lead author Dr. Catarina Rendeiro in a university release. We have previously shown that fatty foods can impair the body’s vascular recovery from stress. In this study, we wanted to see whether adding a high-flavanol food to a fatty diet would reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.
Study findings:
The study was conducted on a group of young, healthy adults who were served a breakfast of two butter croissants with salted butter, cheese and whole milk. They were then given either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. They were then put through a stressful experiment to understand their stress levels. It was observed that those who consumed the low flavanol beverage had a 1.29% reduction in vascular function. Whereas, those who consumed a cup of hot cocoa showed better results. Read this also Could five servings of dark chocolate reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? A new study says so
Why a cup of hot cocoa?
Cocoa is rich in flavanols which may counteract the negative effects of fatty acids in the body. While stress pushes us toward unhealthy eating habits, a cup of hot cocoa can help protect the body’s blood vessels. For those who don’t enjoy cocoa, a cup of green tea is also a healthy alternative. Read this also Health Benefits of Cocoa, Here Are 8 Reasons Why It’s Good for Skin Care, Cancer and Other Diseases
That shouldn’t be an excuse to rush out to get a cup of cocoa, the study says. Alkalization, a common chocolate making process, can significantly reduce the amount of flavanols. It is better to stock up on minimally processed cocoa powder.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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