Chocolate makes middle-aged women happy

A new study has revealed that tucking into the treat every day for eight weeks was linked to reduced feelings of negativity, depression, and anxiety.

The antioxidant flavanols in cocoa beans can prevent cell damage, disrupting hormones and brain signals.

In the research, 60 healthy women aged between 40 and 60 were given a chocolate drink or one that tasted the same but with no cocoa.

After two months, cocoa drinkers scored better on the mood scale and also felt that both their friendliness and energy were boosted.

Professor Masakazu Terauchi, of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, said: "Our results suggest in middle-aged women, cacao extract reduces depression, fatigue and anxiety, and improves positive mood.

"Cacao flavanols may be a useful food that can improve middle-aged women's mood."

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