4 familiar dishes are 'saviors' for people who sit a lot

Sitting too much not only causes back pain and obesity but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease due to reduced blood circulation and vascular damage. The good news is that a new study has found an effective way to overcome this condition.

Research recently published in the scientific journal Journal of Physiology shows that four types of flavanol-rich foods can help protect vascular health for people who sit a lot from the harmful effects of sitting for long periods of time.

Sitting too much and its effects on blood vessels

Prolonged sitting has been shown to impair blood vessel function. A 1% reduction in blood vessel function – measured by brachial flow dilation (FMD) – can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack by 13%.

Finding ways to reduce the impact of prolonged sitting on the vascular system could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, said study author Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Birmingham (UK).

Flavanols are natural polyphenol compounds found in tea, berries, apples, and cocoa, which are known for their heart benefits.

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What did the new research find?

Experts from the University of Birmingham carried out research to see whether flavanol-rich foods could protect blood vessels from the damage caused by prolonged sitting.

Flavanols are natural polyphenol compounds found in tea, berries, apples, and cocoa, which are known for their heart benefits.

The study involved 40 healthy people, divided into two groups: high and low fitness. Before sitting continuously for 2 hours, they drank a beverage containing either high (695 mg) or low (5.6 mg) flavanols. Parameters such as FMD, flow rate, and blood pressure were measured before and after sitting.

The results showed that the group of people who drank the low-flavanol drinks - regardless of fitness level - had impaired blood vessel function and increased diastolic blood pressure.

Notably, the group drinking the high-flavanol beverage maintained stable blood vessel function, according to the University of Birmingham website.

Professor Sam Lucas, co-author of the study, said: “High fitness levels did not prevent the decline in vascular function if flavanols were consumed in low amounts, but flavanol-rich drinks helped to stabilise this function. The benefits of flavanols are independent of fitness and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Dr Rendeiro stressed that consuming flavanol-rich foods or drinks during prolonged sitting may help reduce the harmful effects on the cardiovascular system. In particular, combining flavanols with short activities such as standing or walking would be a simple, effective strategy to protect long-term cardiovascular health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-mon-quen-thuoc-la-suu-tinh-cho-nguoi-ngoi-nhieu-185251031225039791.htm