Researchers led by Sunil Kochhar, Phd, head of Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, have recently uncovered another wondrous health benefit of dark chocolate – as an effective anti anxiety drug.
The study revolves around the effects of ingesting dark chocolates daily for two weeks on the metabolism of stress hormones. Thirty young people, composed of 19 women and 11 men, were asked to take part of the test. Thirteen participants have manifested high levels of anxiety while 17 showed “low anxiety.”
The participants ate 40 grams of dark chocolate with 74% cocoa daily for two straight weeks. After two weeks, blood and urine tests were conducted on them. Participants belonging to the high anxiety level group showed lesser levels of stress hormones. There was a noted “biologically significant” positive transformation in them. Also, the participants reported that they feel less anxious after they ate the chocolate.
People in the “low anxiety” group did not manifest any marked changes during the experimentation. The researchers observed that high anxiety levels generally improve once the subjects consumed chocolates.
The chocolate product used for the said research is Nestlé Noir Intense. This is not available in the United States but people can always use any dark chocolate that contains more than 60% cocoa. Anxiety sufferers will still reap similar benefits. Also, bear in mind that the darker the chocolate, the higher its cocoa content usually is. This means the healthier and better it is for anxiety sufferers.
The subjects ate around 220 calories of chocolates daily but there were no noted increases in blood sugar levels. However, continued consumption of dark chocolates may not be advisable since it could lead to gaining more weight in the process. If you plan to do this for a long time, it will be a good idea to consult your doctor in case you are suffering from diabetes. Also, daily exercise will be a good idea to keep the extra calories away.
Chocolates are also associated with decreasing stress levels which are one of the culprits behind anxiety attacks. According to studies, chocolate contains anandamide compound also known as “bliss chemical” which can ease up stress and make the person relax. This delectable confection also contains enzymes that can inhibit the metabolism of anandamide. The result is a prolonged feeling of relaxation.
Chocolates also contain magnesium. A person under stress often has reduced magnesium in his or her body. Chocolate can enhance the magnesium levels which can alleviate stress.
From these findings, one can glean the numerous benefits reap from eating chocolates. This mouth-watering confectionery contains specific properties that can effectively reduce stress and anxiety levels. However, it must be consumed in moderation as ingesting more chocolate may affect sugar levels later. Consult your physician before adding chocolate to your diet.
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