Dark Chocolate Takes Bite Out of Stress

Nov. 13, 2009 -- Those stress-induced chocolate cravings may be justified
after all. A new study shows that eating dark chocolate may lower levels of
stress hormones in people feeling stressed out.
Researchers found that eating the equivalent of one average-sized dark
chocolate candy bar (1.4 ounces) each day for two weeks reduced levels of the
stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight�? hormones known as
catecholamines in highly stressed people.
The findings add to a growing number of recently discovered potential health
benefits of dark chocolate. For example, cocoa has been found to be rich in a
class of antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to a number of
health benefits.
Researchers are also investigating other compounds in dark chocolate that
may offer other health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced
blood pressure, and improved mood.



The
Sweet History of Chocolate
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