Study links dark chocolate to lower anxiety through gut bacteria

This interesting study recently published in the Journal of Proteome Research documented improvement in anxiety with lower levels of cortisol and catecholamines (excitatory neurotransmitters) that were associated with changes in chemicals produced by the bacteria in the gut. The authors state: "The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 g of dark chocolate during a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of free living and healthy human subjects, as per variation of both host and gut microbial metabolism." The intervention was performed with a daily intake of 40 g (1.4 ounces) of dark chocolate (Noir Intense, 74% cocoa solids, Nestle).