Drinking Hot Chocolate Is A Solution To Fight Stress

Hot Chocolate (Freepik/gratispic)

JAKARTA - Stress is an inseparable part of daily life that can affect the health of the body, including our system of blood circulation and mental well-being. However, a recent study shows that drinking hot chocolate, especially those containing high flavanol, can be a simple but effective strategy to fight stress and reduce its impact on the body.

In a study published in the journal Food & Function, the researchers conducted experiments involving participants who underwent a fairly tense mathematical test. After breakfast, participants were given time to rest before starting the test, which lasted eight minutes.

During tests, blood flow, levels of brain oxygen, and the risk of their heart disease are measured. The results show that high chocolate flavanols, such as hot chocolate. This can provide benefits to the body when we face stress.

One of the important components in chocolate that is useful for reducing stress impacts is flavanol. Flavanol is a natural compound found in cocoa that can improve the function of blood vessels and blood flow to the brain.

In the study, participants who consumed chocolate with high flavanol content showed much better blood flow than those who consumed chocolate with low flavanol content.

Although high chocolate flavanol does not affect the levels of brain oxygen or mood directly. The results show that the consumption of hot chocolate contains flavanol helps fight the negative impact of stress, especially on the blood circulation system. This effect even lasts up to 90 minutes after participants experience stress. Researcher from this study, Dr. Rendeiro, suggested that eating food or drinks rich in flavanol can be one way to reduce the bad effects of unhealthy food choices on blood vessel systems.

"This can help us make wiser decisions about what we eat and drink at stressful times," he said, quoted by VOI from the New York Post page on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Drinking hot chocolate can be a fun and calming option to help the body deal with stress. Not only provides comfort, hot chocolate also offers health benefits that can help us be more resilient in the face of life pressure.

If you feel stressed, try enjoying hot chocolate with high flavanol content. Feel the benefits for the body and mind, and enjoy a break that can reduce tensions. Apart from hot chocolate, there are several other options that can help fight stress, such as green tea, black tea, or berries.