Dark Chocolate Lowers Stress Levels

Sure, devouring a pint of triple-chocolate ice cream will make anyone feel better, but we’re not talking about “comfort food” here.

Scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland suggest compounds in dark chocolate may lower stress hormones during times of high anxiety.

After feeding study participants, both men and women, half a chocolate bar, or roughly 20 grams, every morning, researchers monitored their stress hormone production for two weeks.

Findings showed “chocolate therapy” lowered high hormone levels.

So experts suggest stressed out workers would benefit long-term from daily consumption of chocolate. They recommend 40 grams a day. A whole candy bar, nice!

Researchers believe flavanols in chocolate, which help prevent artery inflammation, are also responsible for the reduction in mental stress.

But dietitians warn not to go overboard with chocolate, since it’s usually high in fat and sugar.

Via The Daily Mail.

Image credit: Saida Online Magazine