Chocolate 'aids fatigue syndrome'

My other half found this article on BBC News website. Although it is related to Chronic Fatigue Symdrome I thought it may be of interest as most of us with SAD suffer with chronic fatigue.....

A daily dose of specially- formulated dark chocolate may help cut chronic fatigue symdrome symptoms.

Patients in a pilot study found they had less fatigue when eating dark chocolate with a high cocoa content than with white chocolate dyed brown.

Researchers from Hull York Medical School said the results were surprising but dark chocolate may be having an effect on the brain chemical serotonin.

Experts said the patients should consume chocolate in moderation.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as ME, is a condition with a diverse range of symptoms but particulary charactersied by profound muscle fatigue after physical exertion.

Study leader Professer Steve Atkin, an expert in endocrinology, said the idea for the study came after a patient reported feeling much better after swapping her normal milk chocolate for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

He decided to see if other patients would benefit and carried out a trail of 10 patients who received a daily dose - 45g - of dark chocolate or white chocolate dyed to look like dark chocolate for two months.

The patients then had a month off before taking the other type of chocolate for two months.

Those taking dark chocolate reported significantly less fatigue and reported feeling more fatigue when they stopped eating it.

Polyphenois

Professer Atkin said he was very surprised at the strength of the results.

"Although it was a small study, two patients went back to work after being off for sick months".

He explained "Dark chocolate is high in polyphenois, which have been associated with health benefits such as a reduction in blood pressure.

"Although high polyphenois appear to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome and that may be a mechanism".

He added that although more research was needed to confirm the findings, patients would not do themselves any harm eating small amounts of dark chocolate and no-one in the study put on weight.

"If you derive benefit, then it's a no-harm, no-risk situation".

There you go.... get out those dark galaxy's and enjoy!!!

I knew there was a good reason for eating chocolate.

I havent eaten any today.....yet.

Todays chocolate, aero, dont you just love the bubbles mmmmmm.

Think I'll be getting meself some 2day when it gets light