The “chocolate cure” for emotional stress is getting new support from a clinical trial published online in the Journal of Proteome Research. It found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly stressed. Everyone’s favorite treat also partially corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances.
Beneficial substances in dark chocolate may also reduce risk factors for heart disease and other physical conditions, according to growing scientific evidence. Until now, however, there was little evidence from research in humans on exactly how chocolate might ease emotional stress.
In the study, scientists identified reductions in stress hormones and other stress-related biochemical changes in volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed and ate dark chocolate for two weeks. “The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 grams [1.4 ounces] during a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human volunteers,” the scientists say.
(Read the detailed science report from ACS’ Journal)
YAY! I keep a bar of Lindt dark in the freezer and most days break off a little square or two. A nice morsel of dessert with a glass of red wine.
🙂
Now that is welcome news. *Wanders off in search of chocolate* 🙂
Dark chocolate is my favorite kind, so this is definitely very good news:-) Have a great day and God bless all of you- drive safe, take care, and be happy and healthy- you are all beautiful, wonderful, and special!!!:-) Btw everyone check out http://www.operationbeautiful.com. The creator of this site has a great idea- it will lift your spirits:-)
Most of the scientific research studies which proclaim the many health benefits of chocolate were based on the study of raw cocoa which was not subjected to high heat or chemicals, or on dark chocolate which has no milk or dairy products added. They were not reporting health benefits being found in milk chocolate bars, chocolate candies, chocolate syrup, or white chocolate. adulterated with various additives like hydrogenated oils, animal fats like lard, corn syrup, refined sugar, dairy products, and chemical preservatives. Chocolate CANDY is still a sugar and fat filled junk food, not a health food. Raw and unprocessed cocoa beans or cocoa powder made from raw cocoa beans which have NOT been treated with alkalis (in the Dutch chocolate process) are a true “healthy chocolate”. These forms of chocolate will contain the most flavanols and are the healthiest chocolate you can get. You can usually get a good quaity Raw unprocessed chocolate powder or nibs from health food store or on line. It can be a bit expensive but a little goes a long way and there are a ton of Raw chocolate dessert recipes on-line and several raw food dessert books available. Check Amazon if your interested.
I knew! I knew! It’s why I force myself to break a piece or two off the organic 75% dark chocolate bar always found in my freezer. I sink in the couch as it melts in my mouth and give in the waves of sheer joy that gently pulse through me. It?s a tough way to stay healthy, but hey! I don?t mind! And I agree with Geri; there?s nothing like chasing it with a nice red! BTW, Gobble, gobble everyone ;~)
P.S. Thanks, Sweetpea. I’ll look into that 🙂
Oooo, you keep yours in the freezer too! Isn’t it great. My favorite has crystalized ginger in it, but can’t remember where to buy it so I get my next fave, Swiss Lindt white wrapper…
I sure needed it this weekend, after my website was hacked by some meanie…