Stress Relief With Chocolate
February 19, 2010
I’ve been having a love affair with chocolate for more than 40 years. I love how it slowly melts in my mouth producing a feeling of oral happiness and mind tranquility.
I eat a piece of dark chocolate before taking exams, giving public speeches, lectures and after any other stressful event in my life. I called it “chocolate stress relief”. And now, my love affair has been scientifically validated.
New study published in ACS Journal of Proteome Research indicated that “eating an ounce and a half (about 4o grams) of dark chocolate a day for 2 weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people highly stressed.”
Specifically, dark chocolate is known to stimulate the release of natural anti-depressant (serotonin) and hormone of happiness (endorphin).
So, whenever you are feeling blue or stressed, reach out for a few pieces of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is considered dark when it has 65% or more of cocoa content.
Craving for chocolate can be profound if you are lacking mineral magnesium. Chocolate naturally is high in magnesium. So, eating chocolate will improve your magnesium levels.
Another plus of eating dark chocolate is that it is good for your heart. Chocolate is known to lower both high blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL) because it contains antioxidants and stearic acid. Thus, dark chocolate not only makes you feel good but it’s also good for you.*(See Caution Below).
Please remember that chocolate alone is not a “cure”for hypertension and heart disease, and portion control must be exercised at all times. After all, chocolate does contain simple sugars and plenty of fat.
My all time favorite chocolate is Belgian Made Dark Chocolate – Chocolove Belgian Chocolate Bars (70%). It’s low in sugar, contains no hydrogenated oils, trans fats or GMO products. Usually, just half a serving satisfies my chocolate craving.
Science Daily The first article: “New evidence that dark chocolate helps ease emotional stress”.
* Caution: Patients with flare-ups of IBD/IBS, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, chronic kidney problems, post chemo and yeast infections should avoid eating chocolate.
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One Response
Hi,
I, too, loved chocolate but unfortunately due to my occasional flareups of proctitis I gave it up. I found the high acid content and oil in the chocolate was too much for my system. I think my system is naturally acidic so I have to watch what I consume to avoid high acidity…..DARK chocolate one of them.
My son was recently diagnosed with IBS….acute inflammation and some ulceration (could be Crohn’s but not conclusive) so I am watching his diet closely.
I enjoy reading your site and look forward to more interesting articles.
Have a wonderful day!
Jacquie