It has long been a widely known fact that dark chocolate is rich in those handy little chemicals that increase signals carried around our brains - but research recently undertaken at the University of Hull and the Hull York Medical School, has uncovered for first time that the beloved confection has been found to ease the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disorder that affects around 250,000 people in Britain. Characterised by extreme and persistent fatigue for six months or more, muscle pain, headaches and poor memory, the condition also known as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) has no known cure.
During the study, researchers tested ten patients with a severe form of the disease. The patients ate 15g of dark chocolate three times a day for eight weeks, followed by a break and then another variety with little cocoa but which tasted the same and made no other changes to their diet.
The results, as published in
Nutrition Journal reported a significant improvement in their well being.
Professor Steve Atkin who led the study has said: “The significance of the results is particularly surprising because of the small number of subjects in the study. A further study is needed to see what the effects would be on a larger group of people, but this is potentially very encouraging news for those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.”
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