Chocolate Rx

A recent clinical trial has linked consuming dark chocolate with reduced levels of stress hormones and anxiety in patients after only two weeks.  The participants of the study ingested about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate per day, with 74% cocoa solids, and were found to have generally lower levels of anxiety immediately after consuming the chocolate and lower levels of blood stress hormones.  Even though the study had some limitations - ie it was done by someone with some investment in the chocolate biz, and with only 30 subjects - I personally think its reason enough to enjoy a few squares of quality dark chocolate without guilt.  And you should too.  Keep in mind any chocolate with a content of 60% cocoa solids or more should show benefit, but the higher you can get the better off you and your antioxidant profile will be.  Happy stress-free snacking!

See the original study here.