Many of us turn to snacking when stressed or anxious, often reaching for unhealthy options. However, a recent study by Dr. Catarina Rendeiro from the University of Birmingham suggests a healthier alternative: hot cocoa. This surprising option not only satisfies the need for something sweet but also offers heart health benefits. The research indicates that cocoa, rich in flavanols, can help counteract the negative effects of fatty foods on the body.

The study focused on the effects of cocoa in combination with fatty meals. Dr. Rendeiro explained that people often gravitate towards high-fat foods when stressed, which can impair the body’s vascular recovery. The goal of the study was to see if adding a flavanol-rich food to a fatty meal could alleviate these negative effects. Participants were served a breakfast of two butter croissants with salted butter, cheese, and whole milk, followed by either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. They were then subjected to a stressful experiment to monitor stress responses.

The findings showed that participants who consumed the low-flavanol drink exhibited a 1.29% decrease in vascular function, while those who drank high-flavanol cocoa had better results, demonstrating improved vascular health. This suggests that cocoa can mitigate the impact of stress-induced eating habits, particularly those involving fatty foods.

Cocoa’s flavanols are known to protect blood vessels, making it a healthier snack choice during stressful times. For those who don’t enjoy cocoa, green tea is also a good alternative. However, the study cautioned that the alkalisation process used in chocolate-making can reduce flavanol content, so minimally processed cocoa powder is the best option for maximizing health benefits.