A recent study found that consuming hot cocoa or green tea rich in flavonoids can help counteract the negative effects of stress, specifically after eating fatty foods. The study involved 23 young, healthy participants who consumed a fatty breakfast followed by either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. Participants then underwent a stressful mental math test, during which their blood flow, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels were monitored. Results showed that those who consumed high-flavanol cocoa had better vascular function post-stress compared to those who consumed low-flavanol cocoa. This suggests that consuming flavonoid-rich foods or drinks during stressful periods can help mitigate the negative effects of fatty food choices on the vascular system.
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