Chocolate is GOOD for you

We have often heard about the pleasure that is gained when eating chocolate but the latest news on the subject from the UK is - at least for me - something to bring a cheer into my day.

see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7018055.stm

Chocolate 'aids fatigue syndrome'

The reduction was small but "noteworthy", researchers say

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

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

Polyphenols

Professor 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 six months."

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

"Also high polyphenols appear to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been linked with 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 by eating small amounts of dark chocolate and no-one in the study put on any weight.

Do I need to know more than this? Not really! Who cares if it all turns out to be an advert for Nestle or Cadbury or one of the other Swiss or Belgian chocolate giants? Not me!

I now have MEDICAL advice that chocolate in moderation is good for me - so I am off to buy some!