Chocolate may fight chronic fatigue syndrome
Rushda:
October 1st, 2007
New benefits of chocolate were highlighted earlier this week when researchers found that eating dark chocolate daily significantly helps those who suffer from chronic fatigue. The study found that those patients who ate chocolate with a high cocoa content were less tired than those who ate white chocolate which had been dyed brown.
The research was conducted at Hull York Medical School where experts confirmed that eating chocolate increased serotonin levels in the brain, this perhaps being the main cause of its effect in alleviating fatigue. The study involved a trial of ten patients who ate a specified amount of chocolate daily for a month - some taking white chocolate that had been dyed to look like dark, and some eating real dark chocolate. After a couple of months, they were given the other type of chocolate. It was found that those who started eating real dark chocolate felt less tired, whilst those who went off it felt more tired than before.
Even though the study was small, head of research Professor Atkin was surprised at the results which undeniably suggested a strong link between fatigue and dark chocolate consumption. He explains:
“Dark chocolate is high in polyphenols, which have been associated with health benefits such as a reduction in blood pressure. Also, high polyphenols appear to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been linked with chronic fatigue syndrome, and that may be a mechanism.”
Though this may be great news, especially for chocolate lovers, experts still advise that chocolate should be eaten in moderation.