Winter brings cosy nights and warm blankets, but for many, it invites the temptation to indulge in stress eating. When the cold weather blends with stress and anxiety, it often results in mindlessly snacking on high-fat, sugary treats. But what if your go-to comfort food could be both satisfying and healthy?
According to a study led by Dr Catarina Rendeiro from the University of Birmingham, stress eating doesn’t have to harm your body. Savouring a cup of hot cocoa might be the heart-healthy solution you’ve been craving.
Here’s what the study reveals
The study explored how certain foods could balance the negative effects of stress and high-fat meals on the body. It involved a group of young, healthy adults who were given a high-fat breakfast consisting of butter croissants, salted butter, cheese and whole milk. Following the meal, participants drank either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink before being tested in a stress-inducing experiment.
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Participants who consumed the low-flavanol cocoa drink showed a 1.29% reduction in vascular function, highlighting the adverse effects of stress combined with unhealthy foods.
On the other hand, those who enjoyed the high-flavanol cocoa drink showed better vascular responses, suggesting that flavanols in cocoa help protect blood vessels from the harmful effects of stress and fatty foods.
Dr Rendeiro explained, “We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate towards high-fat foods. We have previously shown that fatty food can impair the body’s vascular recovery from stress. In this study, we wanted to see if adding a high-flavanol food to the fatty meal would alleviate the negative impact of stress in the body.”
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Flavanols in cocoa
Cocoa is packed with flavanols. It is a natural compound that improves vascular function by increasing blood flow and balancing the effects of fatty acids. This makes a warm cup of hot cocoa not only a delicious winter treat but also a potential snack for managing stress and supporting heart health.
Healthy winter snacking alternatives
While cocoa may be the lead of this study, it’s not the only stress-busting snack to consider. Here are a few more options to keep your cravings in check while stress eating:
Green tea
For those who aren’t fans of cocoa, green tea offers a soothing alternative. It’s rich in antioxidants and helps reduce stress while supporting cardiovascular health.
Dark chocolate
If you’re looking for a quick treat, opt for a small piece of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). Like hot cocoa, it’s rich in flavanols and offers a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and magnesium—key nutrients for reducing stress and boosting mood.
Oatmeal with honey
A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with a drizzle of honey is perfect for winter mornings. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with stress-relieving nutrients like magnesium and fibre.
