Hot Chocolate for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress is an inseparable part of our daily lives, and it can affect our physical health, including our circulatory system and mental health. However, a recent study suggests that drinking hot chocolate, especially one high in flavonols, may be a simple but effective strategy for combating stress and reducing its effects on the body.
In a study published in the journal Food & Function, researchers had participants complete a fairly stressful math test. After breakfast, the participants were given an eight-minute break before beginning the test.
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During the test, their blood flow, brain oxygen levels, and risk of heart disease were measured. The results show that the flavonols in chocolate high in flavonols, such as hot chocolate, can provide benefits for the body when dealing with stress.
Flavonols are one of the key components of chocolate that can help reduce the effects of stress. Flavonols are natural compounds found in cocoa that can help improve blood vessel function and blood flow to the brain.
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The study found that participants who ate chocolate high in flavonols had better blood flow than those who ate chocolate low in flavonols.
Although flavonols in chocolate high in flavonols do not directly affect brain oxygen levels or mood, but the study showed that consuming hot chocolate with flavonols helped counteract the negative effects of stress, particularly on the circulatory system. The effects lasted for up to 90 minutes after participants experienced stress. The study’s researcher, Dr. Rendeiro, suggests that eating foods or beverages high in flavonols could be one way to reduce the negative effects of unhealthy food choices on the circulatory system.
“It helps us make better decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful times,” he said, according to a BlogForbes from the New York Post on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Drinking hot chocolate is a fun and calming option that helps the body cope with stress. In addition to providing comfort, hot chocolate also has health benefits, helping us to be more resilient when facing life’s pressures.
If you’re feeling stressed, try drinking hot chocolate high in flavonols, experience its physical and mental benefits, and enjoy a relaxing time that reduces stress. In addition to hot chocolate, there are many other options that can help combat stress, such as green tea, black tea, or berries.
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