Incorporating some dark chocolate into your diet may also be helpful for easing anxiety.
Dark chocolate contains flavonols, such as epicatechin and catechin, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants.
Some research suggests that the flavonols found in dark chocolate may benefit brain function and have neuroprotective effects. In particular, flavonols may increase blood flow to the brain and enhance cell-signaling pathways.
Further, in one randomized study, individuals who consumed dark chocolate twice daily for 2 weeks reported immediately lower levels of anxiety after eating it. This effect continued for 2 weeks, suggesting its effects may not level-off over time.
These effects may allow you to adjust better to the stressful situations that can lead to anxiety and other mood disorders.
Some researchers also suggest that dark chocolate’s role in brain health may simply be due to its taste, which can be comforting for those with mood disorders