A recent scientific study has found that consuming cocoa rich in flavanols before prolonged periods of sitting can help protect blood vessel function and prevent vascular deterioration.

Published in the Journal of Physiology, the study showed that drinking a flavanol-rich cocoa beverage prior to extended sitting sessions preserves vascular health, regardless of an individual’s level of physical fitness.

The research involved 24 healthy young men aged between 18 and 34, who were divided into two groups based on cardiorespiratory fitness levels—high and low.

Participants completed a two-hour sitting period after consuming either a high-flavanol cocoa drink or a low-flavanol placebo. Researchers then measured endothelial function in the blood vessels of the arms and legs.

Results indicated that prolonged sitting led to a noticeable decline in vascular function among participants who consumed the placebo drink. In contrast, those who consumed the flavanol-rich cocoa maintained healthy vascular function in both the upper and lower limbs, with no difference linked to fitness levels.

Researchers attributed these protective effects to cocoa flavanols’ ability to enhance the production of nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow.

The study suggests that consuming dark, flavanol-rich cocoa before extended periods of sitting may serve as a practical preventive measure to support cardiovascular health, while stressing that regular physical activity and reducing sedentary time remain essential for overall well-being.