Scientists have pointed to the ability of cocoa to protect blood vessels during prolonged sitting

Sitting has a negative impact on human health, but a new study has shown that cocoa compounds called flavanols block harmful effects on blood vessels. This was reported by New Atlas magazine on October 29.

In the modern world, a person spends most of the day in a sitting position, which makes the negative consequences of such a physical condition more obvious. According to one study, every two hours spent sitting in front of the TV increases the risk of obesity by 23% and the risk of diabetes by 14%. Also, every hour of sitting contributes to an increased risk of sarcopenia, which can cause pain in the neck, lower back and shoulders.

One of the reasons for the harm of a sedentary lifestyle is the limitation of the functions of the vascular system. Even a minor violation can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Since previous studies have shown that flavanols can have a protective effect on this system, scientists at the University of California at San Francisco decided to test their ability to affect blood vessels while sitting.

40 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 45 were selected for the study. After measuring the peak oxygen consumption, 20 people were considered "highly trained", and the rest were considered "poorly trained" based on both health problems and low peak values.

Subsequently, the groups were further divided: one half of the group with high physical fitness was given cocoa with a high content of flavanols, and the other half with a low content. The same was done with the group with low physical fitness. After conducting the appropriate analysis, they were forced to sit in a chair for two hours.

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Then, in order to measure vascular function in the arms and legs of all participants, the scientists used a method called "flow-mediated shoulder dilation" (FMD). It turned out that those who drank cocoa with a high content of flavanol did not have a decrease in FMD in the arteries of their hands and feet, but people who consumed a drink with a low content of these compounds showed a decrease in FMD. They were also found to have increased diastolic blood pressure and decreased blood flow.

"Our experiment shows that a higher level of physical fitness does not prevent temporary vascular dysfunction caused by sitting while consuming only cocoa with a low flavanol content. It is important that after drinking a drink with a high flavanol content, both the more prepared and the less prepared participants had the same FMD score as before the two—hour sitting," said study co-author Sam Lucas.

It is emphasized that cocoa can be replaced with other products containing flavanols. Co-author of the study Alessio Daniel called apples, plums, nuts, berries, kale, tomatoes, peaches, as well as red wine, green and black tea good sources of these compounds.

"Given how widespread sedentary lifestyle has become and the increased risk it can pose to vascular health, eating foods and drinks rich in flavanols, especially when combined with breaks during periods of inactivity, such as a short walk or getting up, can be a good way to improve long-term health, regardless of a person's fitness level."- added study co—author Catarina Rendeiro.

Earlier, on September 24, cardiologist Jose Abelian called for avoiding adding milk to coffee. According to him, coffee contains antioxidants and phenolic compounds that contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The specialist emphasized that milk, in turn, reduces their absorption, and its fats increase the risk of developing pathology of the cardiovascular system.

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