What Happens to Your Brain When You Sit Too Long?
A recent clinical study (Hernández-Torres et al., 2023*) explored brain blood flow during prolonged sitting—and whether cacao flavanols can help. Researchers had participants drink either low-flavanol cocoa (think standard hot chocolate) or high-flavanol cacao (rich in the good stuff), then sit still for two hours. (Yes, they really did this for science!)
The result? Sitting decreased forward blood flow to the brain in everyone. In older adults, it even caused backflow—a reversal that stresses brain vessels and may contribute to cognitive decline over time. When those same adults had high-flavanol cacao beforehand? That harmful backflow didn't happen.
Translation: A cup of quality cacao can help your brain stay in flow mode. Even if your body's in a chair.
Keith's Cacao is naturally high in cacao flavanols, powerful plant compounds that support:
- Healthy blood flow to the brain
- Mental clarity and focus
- A calm, energized state without the caffeine crash
While the study focused on older adults, these vascular benefits apply to all ages, especially for those whose days involve more brainstorming than backflipping.