Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 28: In a world where long hours of sitting have become an unavoidable part of daily life—from office desks and classrooms to long commutes—scientists are turning their attention to how the body responds to extended inactivity. Prolonged sitting, though seemingly harmless, slows blood flow and places stress on the vascular system, particularly on the arteries that supply the lower limbs. As modern routines make movement breaks increasingly difficult, researchers are now exploring whether certain foods can help counter these effects.

A new study published in the Journal of Physiology has highlighted the potential of flavanols, natural compounds found in cocoa, apples, berries, and tea, in helping the body maintain healthy blood vessel function during long periods of uninterrupted sitting.

In this controlled study, participants consumed either a high-flavanol cocoa drink or a low-flavanol version before sitting continuously for two hours. Researchers monitored their arterial dilation through flow-mediated measurements.

Those who consumed the low-flavanol drink showed a drop in arterial dilation and a rise in diastolic blood pressure—key markers indicating that vessels were struggling to handle restricted movement.

However, these effects were not observed in participants who drank the high-flavanol beverage. Their arteries continued to dilate normally despite prolonged immobility, suggesting that flavanols help stabilise vascular responses even when movement is limited.

Scientists believe this protective effect is linked to flavanols' ability to support nitric oxide signalling, a mechanism essential for blood vessel flexibility and healthy circulation.

Flavanols are widely available in everyday diets, making them easy to incorporate into routine meals without major lifestyle changes. Cocoa—especially minimally processed, high-flavanol varieties—is among the richest sources. Apples, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and teas also provide meaningful amounts.

Because these foods naturally support vascular health, they may offer a practical way to counteract the early decline in arterial responsiveness caused by long sitting hours.

While physical movement remains the most effective way to stimulate blood flow, flavanols appear to offer support during moments when moving around isn't realistic—such as lengthy meetings, flights, study sessions or desk-bound workdays. The study observed this benefit across both highly fit and low-fitness individuals, indicating broad applicability.

Rather than replacing exercise, flavanols act as a nutritional complement, helping preserve vascular stability during periods of unavoidable immobility.

With sedentary routines deeply ingrained in modern life, flavanol-rich foods provide a simple, accessible way to support daily vascular health. A morning cup of high-flavanol cocoa, a handful of berries, or a cup of green or black tea during work hours may help keep blood vessels functioning efficiently throughout the day.

While they cannot substitute for regular physical activity, flavanols offer an added layer of support—ensuring that the circulatory system remains resilient even during prolonged hours spent seated.