Dark chocolate ‘reduces stress and inflammation’

I’m sceptical about stories claiming chocolate is a health food.

But research from the Loma Linda University in California is worth noting – it says dark chocolate with a high proportion of cacao (minimum 70%) has positive effects on stress levels, memory, inflammation, mood and immunity.

The flavonoids found in cacao are potent antioxidants and antiinflammatory agents, with known beneficial effects on brain and cardiovascular health.

But this is the first study on how it helps cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular health.

Participants were given an EEG (brain scan) thirty minutes after eating 48 grams of dark chocolate. The results show that cacao consumption boosts our immune response and sensory perception in the brain.

Lee Berk, the study’s lead author, said: “For years we have looked at the influence of dark chocolate on neurological functions from the standpoint of sugar content – the more sugar, the happier we are.

“This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and we are encouraged by the findings.

“These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.”

Berk says the studies require further investigation in bigger studies, specifically to determine the significance of these effects for immune cells and the brain.