As the clocks go back and the chill of autumn settles in, many find comfort in a warm mug of cocoa. But beyond its soothing appeal, scientists have discovered an unexpected health benefit for men, especially those spending long hours seated.
Cocoa Benefits for Men’s Heart Health During Inactivity
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has revealed that drinking cocoa rich in flavanols can help prevent arterial damage associated with prolonged sitting. This could be a game-changer for men with sedentary lifestyles or desk-bound jobs.
Flavanols, naturally occurring compounds in cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, have long been linked to improved heart health. However, this latest research is the first to show cocoa’s direct protective effect on blood vessels during inactivity.
Could your afternoon hot chocolate be doing more than warming you up? Scientists say it might be shielding your arteries from the damage caused by long hours of sitting still.
Researchers observed 40 healthy young men, half of whom were physically fit, while the others had lower fitness levels. Each participant drank either a high-flavanol cocoa beverage (containing at least 695mg) or a version with negligible levels (just 5.6mg). They then remained seated for two hours.
Measurements taken before and after the sitting period showed clear differences:
- Those who consumed the low-flavanol drink showed reduced arterial function and elevated blood pressure.
- In contrast, the group that drank the high-flavanol cocoa showed no decline in arterial health at all.
Interestingly, even among the fit group, physical fitness alone wasn’t enough to counteract the vascular effects of sitting. Cocoa’s flavanols made a notable difference, where fitness didn’t.
“This is the first time we’ve seen that flavanols can prevent the usual dip in blood vessel function from prolonged sitting,” noted the researchers, whose findings were published in the Journal of Physiology.
Why Only Men?
The study focused solely on men due to the complexities introduced by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which researchers say may influence how flavanols work in women. A follow-up study involving female participants is planned.
Cocoa vs. Comfort Food
This isn’t the first time cocoa has come under the scientific spotlight. In 2022, researchers found that cocoa could help shield the body from the negative effects of fatty comfort foods, particularly when consumed during stressful periods.
Dr Catarina Rendeiro, one of the lead authors, explained: “Our research shows that consuming high-flavanol foods and drinks during periods spent sitting down is a good way to reduce some of the impact of inactivity on the vascular system.”
And it’s not just cocoa.
Easy Ways to Add Flavanols to Your Diet
Alessio Daniele, a PhD researcher involved in the study, suggested that integrating flavanols into daily meals doesn’t have to be difficult.
“It is actually quite easy to add high flavanol foods to your diet. There are cocoa products available in supermarkets and health stores, which are processed through methods that preserve flavanol levels. If cocoa isn’t your thing, fruits like apples, plums and berries, nuts, and black and green tea are all common kitchen staples.”
As darker evenings draw us indoors and physical activity often takes a back seat, a simple mug of cocoa might offer more than just warmth. For men spending long hours at a desk or on the road, it could be a tasty way to give their cardiovascular system a little extra support.
Just make sure it’s the good stuff high in flavanols, low in sugar.
