The "chocolate cure" for emotional stress is getting new support from a clinical trial published online in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research. The study found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly stressed. This favorite treat also helped correct other  stress-related biochemical imbalances.

Researchers noted growing scientific evidence that antioxidants and other
beneficial substances in dark chocolate may reduce risk factors for heart disease
and other physical conditions. Studies also suggest that chocolate may ease
emotional stress. Until now, however, there was little evidence from research in
humans on exactly how chocolate offers the "stress-busting" effects.

In the study, scientists identified reductions in stress hormones and other stress-related
biochemical changes in volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed and ate
dark chocolate for two weeks. "The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption
of 40 grams [1.4 ounces] during a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of
healthy human volunteers," the scientists say.