Dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao can have positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity, according to two new studies from Loma Linda University, in California.

Ten participants ate a 48-gram bar of dark chocolate at the beginning of each study and then ate a piece of dark chocolate every two hours when they were awake for several days. Blood tests revealed the chocolate heightened sense perception and nervous system responsiveness and increased both anti-inflammatory agents and infection-fighting cells. Gamma waves recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG) suggested the treat could positively impact cognitive function and creativity even two hours after eating it.

This article appears in the December 2018 issue of Natural Awakenings.