Cocoa drink may shield aging arteries from sitting slump

This study looked at whether a cocoa drink rich in flavanols (plant compounds) could protect blood vessel health in healthy older adults during 2 hours of sitting. Twenty participants aged 65+ drank either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa before sitting. Researchers measured blood vessel widening and blood pressure. The goal was to see if flavanols could prevent the temporary decline in blood vessel function that often happens with prolonged sitting.