From the ArcaMax Publishing, Science & Technology Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/technology/s-646993-909817
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (UPI) -- Swiss scientists say people who are
stressed and reach for dark chocolate -- the "chocolate cure" -- do
seem to experience less emotional stress.
Sunil Kochhar of the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland,
conducted a clinical trial involving 30 human subjects, who were
classified in low and high anxiety traits using validated
psychological questionnaires.
Urine and blood plasma were collected during three test days at the
beginning, mid-time and at the end of a two-week study.
Kochhar said human subjects with higher anxiety trait showed a
distinct metabolic profile indicative of a different energy
homeostasis, hormonal metabolism and gut microbial activity.
The study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, found eating
about one-and-one-half ounce of dark chocolate a day for two weeks
reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people who say they
feel highly stressed.
"The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40
grams -- 1.4 ounces (of dark chocolate) -- during a period of two
weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human
volunteers," the researchers said in a statement.