Consuming high-fat foods during stressful periods can hinder the body's recovery and result in diminished brain oxygenation and impaired blood vessel function, caution researchers. A study conducted by the University of Birmingham revealed that indulging in fatty meals during mental stress reduces cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex, leading to a 39% decrease in oxygenated hemoglobin compared to consuming a low-fat meal.

Dr. Rosalind Baynham, affiliated with the University of Birmingham, explained that stress triggers various physiological responses, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilation of blood vessels, and heightened blood flow to the brain. However, blood vessel elasticity, a key indicator of vascular function, diminishes after exposure to mental stress.

The study found that consuming fatty foods during mental stress resulted in a 1.74% reduction in vascular function, measured by brachial flow dilatation (FMD). Notably, this impairment in vascular function persisted for up to 90 minutes after the stressor subsided.

In contrast, foods rich in polyphenols, such as cocoa, berries, grapes, apples, and other fruits and vegetables, had no adverse effects on blood vessel function. Dr. Baynham emphasized that prior research demonstrated a 1% decline in vascular function increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 13%. Importantly, the impairment in vascular function lasted longer when participants consumed baked croissants.

The positive aspect is that opting for low-fat foods and drinks, despite still affecting blood vessel function (with a decrease of only 1.18%), allowed the body to return to normal more swiftly after stress relief. This suggests that making mindful dietary choices during stressful times can mitigate the negative impact on vascular health. (Agencies)