Tea and Cocoa May Help Offset Health Risks of Excessive Sitting

Scientists have discovered a dietary defense against sedentary lifestyle risks. 

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We’re often warned of the dangers of prolonged sitting, and while nothing can replace the essential benefits of exercise and movement, certain foods may help reduce the health risks from a sedentary lifestyle.

New research from the University of Birmingham, recently published in The Journal of Physiology, suggests that eating foods high in flavanols—such as tea, berries, apples, and cocoa—may help protect blood vessels from the damage caused by prolonged periods of sitting.

Sitting Increases Cardiovascular Risk

If you’re a young adult, chances are you’re sitting for about six hours a day—whether at a desk, in a car, or on the couch. All that sitting takes a toll on your blood vessels, raising your risk of heart disease, according to researchers.