Fact Check: Will Dark Chocolate Really Help with Stress Relief? This specific chocolate has been described as a “comfort food”, and many of us reach for it when we are stressed. But does dark chocolate actually relieve your stress, or is it just a food fantasy? Let’s look to the science.
Dark chocolate has many bioactive compounds that may affect the mood and stress levels. Flavanols, a type of antioxidant found in cocoa, are one of the biggest players. Flavanols have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, improve function, and perhaps even reduce anxiety.
It is also a source of theobromine and caffeine, weak stimulants that can increase mood and energy levels for a short time. Phenylethylamine, a chemical associated with the release of endorphins, is also found in chocolate and can produce a mild sensation of well-being.
A number of studies have investigated the connection between dark chocolate and stress relief. For example, research released in 2014 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reported that eating moderate levels of this chocolate (high in cocoa flavanols) had been linked to reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Another research in Nutrients (2019) indicated that consuming 40g of dark chocolate per day for two weeks alleviated stress among participants, particularly in those who had high levels of stress at the start.
While dark chocolate may offer some stress-reducing effects, the key is to eat it in moderation. The majority of commercially available dark chocolate products still have sugars and fats which, when consumed in excess, may lead to gains in weight as well as other health related issues which may result in more stress longer term.
Opt for chocolate that has a cocoa content of at least 70% for optimal benefit and least amount of sugar.
ALSO READ: DYK This Black Chocolate Can Lower Cholesterol Naturally?
At other times, it’s not the chocolate itself but the process of enjoying something slowly and attentively that brings stress relief. Pacing a piece of dark chocolate can be a tiny yet potent activity for quieting your mind.
Dark chocolate can indeed aid in stress relief — but only as one component of a balanced life. In moderation, it provides pleasure plus possible mental benefits.
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