http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=72894-barry-callebaut-
mars-dark-chocolate

19/12/2006 - Further evidence of the health benefits of chocolate has
come to light in a new study - giving manufacturers yet another route
into the functional food niche.

Eating a small amount of dark chocolate each day can help combat the
symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), according to UK
researchers.
Dark chocolate has been frequently touted as a `healthy' indulgence
thanks to its high levels of polyphenols and flavanols which work to
protect the body from cell damage. Sales of the product have risen as a
result of its new health-conscious image and market analysts
Leatherhead International say they now make up 19 per cent of global
chocolate sales.
In the study, the results of which are available on the Hull and East
Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust website, researchers fed a group of
adults 45g of specially formulated dark chocolate - containing 85 per
cent cocoa and rich in polyphenols - every day for eight weeks.
The participants reported feeling less fatigued after eating the
chocolate and complained of greater tiredness when fed a placebo. None
of those who took part reported any weight gain as a result of the
study.
Researchers believe chocolate enhances the action of neurotransmitters
such as serotonin, responsible for regulating mood and sleep, which
could explain why the product can alleviate CFS.
Consultant endocrinologist at the NHS Trust, Professor Steve Atkin
said: "No one has examined the effects of chocolate on CFS before and
so this is a very interesting and exciting result for us."
"We now hope to look at some of the other potential benefits of
chocolate which is high in these natural chemicals."
Extensive research into the healthy properties of dark chocolate has
already been undertaken by confectionery giants Mars and Barry
Callebaut in an effort to capitalise on scientifically-proven benefits
which have recently come to light.
And earlier this month, Barry Callebaut launched a website aiming to
educate consumers on the science behind their cocoa processing method,
Acticoa, which claims to reduce the loss of polyphenols common in
ordinary manufacturing methods. I've got mine have you?spencer-- Burn the 
land and boil the seaYou can't take the sky from me - From "Ballad of 
Serenity" by Joss Whedon