While the idea of eating away stress with a delicious dessert may seem tempting, scientists have found that our brains and hearts suffer even more from such a ritual.
Many of us have noticed that we consume a greasy hamburger or a buttery croissant when we are stressed. But it turns out that this comfort food habit can make it harder for your body to recover from stress. Neuroscience News writes that a recent study from the University of Birmingham sheds light on this intriguing connection.
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In a study conducted by Rosalind Baynham, PhD, healthy young adults were given two buttered croissants for breakfast. After that they were subjected to mental stress – rapid counting. This was meant to simulate everyday stressors, like a tough day at work or dealing with problems at home.
What the researchers found was quite surprising. Eating high-fat foods before stress led to a noticeable decrease in the efficiency of blood vessels; a drop of exactly 1.74%. Why is this so important? A 1% decrease in vascular function is associated with a 13% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
But it’s not just the heart that suffers. The study also found a 39% decrease in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex, an area important in decision-making and emotional regulation. This suggests that a high-fat diet may blunt the brain’s response during times of stress, affecting both mood and cognitive performance.
The study also points to healthier alternatives. It turns out that low-fat foods have a much less powerful effect on stress relief. If you eat foods rich in polyphenols (for example, cocoa, berries, grapes and apples), they will completely prevent the deterioration of blood vessels.
Next time you’re getting ready for a stressful day, skip the muffins and opt for fruit. This will not only help your heart and brain function at their best during times of stress, but will also help you maintain a good mood and a sharp mind. While we often think of comfort foods as a way to combat stress, this study shows that making healthier choices may be the real key to dealing with stress more effectively.
Previously Focus He wrote about another species besides humans that is prone to obesity. Scientists have found that primates, like us, tend to gain weight uncontrollably under certain conditions, disproving the theory that we have unique genes.
Moreover Focus He wrote that a new cause of weight gain, hidden in toxins, has been discovered. A new scientific discovery suggests that bacterial debris in our guts may be hidden saboteurs to our waistlines and trigger weight gain.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are having problems, contact an expert.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.