Cocoa flavanols may offset sitting's harm to blood vessels
Cocoa flavanols may block sitting's negative effects on blood vessels, per new research.
Why it matters
- Sitting harms blood vessels, raising heart disease risk.
- Cocoa flavanols may block these effects.
By the numbers
- 40 healthy young men studied.
- High-flavanol drink: 695 mg flavanols.
- Low-flavanol drink: 5.6 mg flavanols.
The big picture
- Sitting increases obesity, diabetes, and muscle loss risks.
- Dietary changes could help mitigate sedentary lifestyle effects.
- Flavanols found in cocoa, fruits (apples, berries), nuts, teas, and vegetables.
What they're saying
- Some commenters skeptical about practicality.
- Concerns about heavy metals in cheap cocoa.
Caveats
- Small study (40 men), short duration (2 hours).
- Effects seen in young, healthy men may not generalize.
What’s next
- Combining flavanol-rich foods with activity breaks may improve long-term health.