Sitting Too Long Is Bad for You. These Foods May Help
Summary
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that certain foods and drinks high in flavanols, like tea and cocoa, may help reduce the health risks associated with sitting for long periods. The study involved 40 young men and showed that consuming high-flavanol cocoa helped maintain healthier blood vessel function during a two-hour sitting session.Key Facts
- Flavanols are natural compounds found in foods like tea, berries, apples, cocoa, and dark chocolate.
- Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease and disrupt blood flow.
- Eating or drinking flavanol-rich foods may protect blood vessels against sitting's harmful effects.
- Flavanols boost the availability of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and expand blood vessels.
- The study involved 40 young men who drank either high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa.
- Participants who consumed high-flavanol cocoa showed better blood vessel function after sitting.
- Women were not included in this study due to potential hormonal influences, which may be researched later.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.