Recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals a surprising connection between stress, fatty foods, and vascular health (Source: Healthline). Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the study highlights that consuming high-fat meals before stressful events could exacerbate the effects of stress on endothelial function—a critical aspect of blood vessel health.
Endothelial function, governed by the endothelium—a layer of cells lining blood vessels—plays a vital role in regulating blood vessel constriction, relaxation, and fluid movement throughout the body. Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired endothelium function, poses an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure.
Stress alone can lead to a temporary decline in endothelial function, lasting up to 90 minutes in healthy, young adults. The study observed that individuals tend to overeat fatty and sugary foods during stress, further impacting blood vessels. To explore the interplay between stress and fat consumption, 21 healthy volunteers underwent an eight-minute mental stress test after consuming a high-fat breakfast.
The researchers utilized “flow-mediated dilatation” to measure blood flow through an arm artery, discovering that those who consumed fatty foods experienced a 1.74% reduction in vascular function. In contrast, those who had a low-fat meal exhibited a 1.18% reduction. Notably, even a 1% reduction in function can elevate cardiovascular disease risk by 13%, as per previous studies.
The negative impact extended beyond blood vessels, affecting the pre-frontal cortex responsible for higher-level cognitive processes. Individuals who ate high-fat meals had a 39% reduction in oxygenated hemoglobin compared to those with a low-fat meal.
Registered dietitian Kelsey Costa suggests that high-fat foods during stress may impede the body’s healing process, potentially through increased triglycerides and C-reactive protein. However, the exact mechanisms are yet to be fully understood.
In light of these findings, experts advocate considering alternatives to fatty comfort foods during stressful times. Plant foods, rich in compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, may offer a healthier choice to mitigate endothelial dysfunction, protecting overall vascular health.
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