A Japanese study has found that chocolate contains compounds that positively affect the mood of middle-aged women, making them genuinely happier. The results indicated that consuming chocolate daily for eight weeks reduces negative feelings, depression, and anxiety. Researchers suggest that antioxidant flavanol compounds found in cocoa beans may prevent cell damage, which disrupts hormones and brain signals. Flavanol compounds are more concentrated in cocoa varieties used to make dark chocolate.
In the study, 60 healthy women aged between 40 and 60 were given either a chocolate beverage or a similarly flavored drink without cocoa. After two months, the women who consumed cocoa reported better results on the mood scale. They also noted improvements in their friendships and energy levels. The lead researcher of the study, Professor Masakazu Terauchi from Tokyo Medical and Dental University, stated, "Our results suggest that cocoa extract in middle-aged women reduces depression, fatigue, and anxiety, and improves positive mood. Flavanol compounds found in cocoa may be a beneficial substance to enhance the mood of middle-aged women."
