We’re all sitting way too much, and a new study suggests that drinking this could help offset the health drawbacks.
On a chilly evening, a comforting mug of hot chocolate hits the spot. I’ve been adding Earl Grey to mine for an extra flavor boost, but does it do more than soothe the soul? A recent University of Birmingham study says maybe it does.
What the study shows
If you spend most days at a computer, you might be seated for 6–8 hours or more. That level of inactivity is linked to a higher risk of heart-related issues like heart disease, stroke, and heart attack because prolonged sitting can slow blood flow and hinder how well blood vessels relax when they’re needed.
So where does cocoa fit in? Cocoa, along with foods like tea, berries, and apples, contains high levels of flavanols—natural compounds (polyphenols) that have been shown to support vascular health by improving blood flow and helping nitric oxide work, which helps blood vessels relax.
In the study, 40 young men with varying fitness levels drank either a high-flavanol or a low-flavanol cocoa drink before a continuous two-hour sitting period. The researchers found that those who consumed the high-flavanol cocoa did not experience a decline in blood flow in the arteries of the arms and legs, regardless of fitness. In contrast, participants who drank the low-flavanol cocoa showed reduced blood flow and higher blood pressure.
What the experts think
So, should you rush to make a giant mug of hot cocoa before work? Not so fast. I spoke with two experts to get their take, and here’s what they said.
Vikram Agarwal, MD, a cardiovascular disease specialist at Mount Sinai, called the idea “genuinely exciting.” He described the cocoa drink as giving your internal plumbing a gentle nudge to keep things flowing in the short term. But he cautioned that this doesn’t mean cocoa will prevent heart disease years down the line.
Enjoying high-flavanol cocoa—such as quality, non-alkalized cocoa powder or a square of very dark chocolate (about 70% cacao or higher)—can be a nice bonus for vascular health. However, it isn’t a magic fix or a license to sit all day. The best approach to counteracting too much sitting remains simple: stand up, stretch, and move regularly. A few thousand steps distributed throughout the day are a solid start, even if you never reach 10,000. He emphasized that the study focused on high-flavanol cocoa, not sugary, ultra-processed chocolate treats.
Christina Manian, RD, MERV, a registered dietitian and sustainable nutrition expert, also found the study intriguing but noted it’s relatively small. She’d like to see more research before fully endorsing the claims. While the findings are appealing, she wouldn’t want readers to believe they can counteract prolonged sitting simply by drinking hot cocoa laden with added sugars.
Like Dr. Agarwal, Manian warned against the idea that a single food or drink can neutralize a sedentary lifestyle. Maintaining health and preventing chronic disease still hinges on regular activity and breaking up long periods of sitting.
Bottom line
Enjoying a bit of dark chocolate or a cocoa-based beverage might offer short-term vascular benefits, but there’s no substitute for movement. Regular activity and taking breaks from sitting remain the most effective strategies for long-term health.
