New research suggests that eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of depression. A cross-sectional study of 13,626 adults found that people experienced fewer depressive symptoms after eating dark chocolate. They found that people who ate dark chocolate in the last 24 hours were 70% less likely to experience depression. Depression symptoms were determined by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores.
People have been shown to experience less depression with as little as 12 grams of dark chocolate per day (an average-sized chocolate bar weighs 43 grams). Overall, 11.1% reported eating chocolate, but only 1.4% reported eating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate in question here is defined as chocolate containing at least 45% bittersweet.
However, milk chocolate does not have the same effect (sorry milk chocolate fans). Milk chocolate, which is seen as both more popular and fun and is consumed quite frequently, has not been shown to contribute to improving depression like dark chocolate.
The desire to eat chocolate is quite common in depression.
A study< Nearly half (45%) of people with depression reported cravings for chocolate. Chocolate contains many natural chemicals such as flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine, which may help explain how chocolate boosts mood.
People with healthier lifestyles tend to choose dark chocolate. And because of their lifestyle, they may also be at lower risk of depression. Researchers exclude diabetes; They controlled for factors such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol, total sugar and calorie intake, age, gender, marital status, education, income level, weight and chronic medical problems. After controlling for these factors, dark chocolate remained associated with a lower risk of depression. The study does not prove a cause-effect relationship. However, he emphasizes that dark chocolate has potential benefits for depression, at least compared to milk chocolate.
Other considerations about dark chocolate; Knowing that it may trigger migraine or cause insomnia and be careful about it. Also, b If a person consumes raw cocoa powder, it is important to check the brands and ingredients of cocoa powder before consuming, as many are known to contain higher levels of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium.
On the other hand, this study found that dark chocolate may affect health and mood. It contributes to the research revealing its benefits and, of course, most importantly, it can save us from the feeling of guilt we experience when eating dark chocolate.
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