by Cheryl Rickey

Created on: February 04, 2010

A recent study indicates that dark chocolate may help ease emotional stress. Most people who love chocolate are aware of this already and there is more than just emotional stress relief that comes from a bite or two of dark chocolate - there is growing scientific evidence that antioxidants and other beneficial substances in dark chocolate may reduce risk factors for heart disease and other physical conditions.

The study that indicates that chocolate may help ease emotional stress was just published in the Journal of Proteome Research. The study, titled “Metabolic Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Energy, Gut Microbiota, and Stress-Related Metabolism in Free-Living Subjects" is good news for those who need a little mood pick me up.

The study 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. The daily dose also partially corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances.

Chocolate's Health Benefits

Growing scientific evidence was noted in the study that antioxidants and other beneficial substances in dark chocolate may reduce risk factors for heart disease and other physical conditions. Consuming relatively large amounts of dark chocolate and cocoa does not seem to raise serum LDL cholesterol levels; some studies even find that it could lower them.Small but regular amounts of dark chocolate may lower the possibility of a heart attack.

Studies suggest a specially formulated type of cocoa may be nootropic and delay brain function decline as people age. Cocoa or dark chocolate may possess certain beneficial effects on human health. This is mainly caused by a particular substance present in cocoa called polyphenol antioxidant-rich foods and beverages.

Although studies in the past have suggested that chocolate may ease emotional stress, there was little evidence until now from research in humans on exactly how chocolate might have those stress-busting effects.

Scientists who ran the study 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 stated.

Romance is healthy and  chocolate is often said to be an aphrodisiac. The reputed aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are most often associated with the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. Although there is no proof that chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac, a gift of chocolate is a familiar courtship ritual.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl Rickey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.