Consuming high-fat foods during stressful times can negatively affect the body's "recovery" from the effects of stress, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham.
Researchers found that eating fatty foods and other unhealthy foods to seek solace reduced vascular function and increased the risk of heart disease, as reported in a statement on the university's website on December 5.
As part of the study, a group of healthy young adults were given two butter croissants for breakfast.
Mental stress and consumption of fatty foods
“Then, we asked them to perform mental calculations, increasing the speed for eight minutes, alerting them when they got an answer wrong. They could also see themselves on a screen while doing the exercise,” said Rosalind Baynham, PhD researcher at the University of Birmingham and first author.
The experiment was designed to simulate daily stress faced at work or home.
“In moments of stress, the body reacts in different ways. Heart rate and blood pressure increase. Blood vessels dilate, favoring increased cerebral blood flow. We also know that the elasticity of our blood vessels, a measure of vascular function, decreases after mental stress,” explained Baynham.
During mental stress, the research team observed that consumption of fatty foods resulted in a 1,74% reduction in vascular function. This measurement was obtained by brachial flow-mediated dilation, FMD. Previous studies indicated: a 1% drop in vascular function increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 13%. However, recent research reveals that this impact lasts longer when participants consume croissants.
Scientists also identified a reduction in arterial elasticity in participants up to 90 minutes after the end of the stressful event.
The research team observed that consumption of high-fat foods decreased cerebral blood flow. This resulted in lower oxygen delivery during stress, evidenced by a 39% reduction in oxygenated hemoglobin. This decrease was compared to participants who ate a low-fat meal.
Effect of fat consumption on mood and recovery from stress: Implications for cardiovascular health
Furthermore, it was observed that fat consumption had a negative effect on mood during and after the stress episode.
In this study, we examined healthy young people aged 18 to 30. It is surprising to see such a significant difference in recovery from stress when eating fatty foods. “For those at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, the impacts can be even more serious,” warned Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten. He is Professor of Biological Psychology at the University of Birmingham.
“We face daily stress. For those with stressful jobs and cardiovascular risk, the findings are crucial. We must take these health impacts seriously. This research can guide us in making decisions that reduce risks rather than increase them.”
Research also indicated that consuming low-fat foods and drinks resulted in less affected recovery after stress. After a low-fat meal, stress negatively impacted vascular function (1,18% reduction in FMD). However, this decline normalized 90 minutes after the stressful event.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition and Nutrients indicated that the consumption of healthy foods, rich in polyphenols such as cocoa, red fruits, grapes, apples and vegetables, can prevent the impairment of vascular function.
Source: Oils & Fats International
