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Eating dark chocolate could improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression, say scientists.
Research has shown that adults who consume this treat are 70% less likely to report depressive symptoms than those who do not eat chocolate.
The team looked at data from 13,626 adults in the United States and also found that the 25% who ate the most chocolate, regardless of their nature, were less likely to experience depressive symptoms than those who ate it. not.
But the survey was only a "snapshot" and further research is needed to confirm a link, experts warned.
The lead author, Dr. Sarah Jackson, of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London, said: "This study shows that the consumption of chocolate, especially chocolate black, may be badociated with reduced risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms. "
The team, working with the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services Canada, found no significant link between not eating dark chocolate and depressive symptoms.
"Further research is needed to clarify the meaning of causality," said Dr. Jackson.
"It may be that depression causes people to lose interest in chocolate or that other factors make them less likely to eat dark chocolate and that they are depressed."
Data was collected from the US National Health and Nutrition Survey.
Adult chocolate consumption was compared to their scores on the patient's health questionnaire, which focused on depressive symptoms.
Other factors include height, weight, marital status, ethnicity, education, household income, physical activity, smoking and problems Chronic health were also taken into account to ensure that the study measures only the effect of chocolate on depressive symptoms.
Results were noted after participants reported they were eating dark chocolate during two 24-hour periods.
The researchers explained that chocolate had beneficial effects on the mood.
The reasons for the relationship include the inclusion in chocolate of psychoactive ingredients that produce a euphoric sensation similar to that of cannabinoid, found in cannabis.
It also contains phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator considered important for the regulation of mood.
Experimental evidence also suggests that mood improvements only occur if the chocolate is palatable and pleasant to eat, suggesting that the experience of tasting chocolate is an important factor, not just the ingredients present.
Dr. Jackson added that if the effect on depression was causal, the study of biological mechanisms could reveal the amount and type of chocolate ideal for preventing this disease.
The team also pointed out that dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of flavonoids, antioxidant chemicals that enhance inflammatory patterns and could play a role in the onset of depression.
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