Say it ain't so: Study links chocolate to depression
Research has found that dark chocolate -- in small does -- can actually be good for you. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we reported on a study that found the sweet stuff can lower blood pressure.
Now, of course, a different study hints at a downside.
People with depression appear to consume more chocolate than people who don't, according to new research appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The study, by University of California Davis researchers, probed the link between chocolate and mood. Researchers asked 913 men and women, who were not taking antidepressants, how much chocolate they ate.
People who screened positive for depression consumed an average of 8.4 servings of chocolate per month, while those who weren't depressed had 5.4 servings per month. People with higher scores on the screening tests -- which indicate major depression -- ate even more chocolate, 11.8 servings per month. Results were similar for men and women alike.
So what does it all mean? Is eating chocolate related to depression?
The study can't say for certain. It doesn't reflect causality, the researchers are quick to note. But the findings could underscore what many of us already believe -- when we have the blues we reach for the sweets. Chocolate is comfort food to so many people, the connection is practically cliche.
But there are other possibilities, too. The authors speculated that depression could stimulate chocolate cravings as "self treatment" or even for unrelated reasons. Or it might just contribute to depressed mood, they suggest.
Baltimore Sun photo
Categories: Diet and exercise, Mental health
Comments
Studies. It's always about the studies. Moderation is the key. Chocolate, wine, most foods all in moderation. Studies provoke and justify overindulgence.
Posted by: ruth | April 28, 2010 8:22 AM
Hi
I think there is a major mistake in this article for the simple reason that chocolate isn't sweet. I eat coco powder with my fruits everyday, but I don't ever eat chocolate bars or any other chocolate with sugar added. This article doesn't make a clear distinction between chocolate, the real stuff, and chocolate, the stuff sold with added sugar.
Posted by: Matt | April 28, 2010 3:22 PM
I think it's pretty obvious to anyone who has experienced some "down" moments that when you are depressed, you reach for the chocolate, not the other way around. Same with ice cream.
Posted by: Chocoholic | April 28, 2010 4:15 PM
Chocolate does not cause depression, as the article stated;"people who are depressed reach for chocolate."
Chocolate may not cure depression, but the consumption of chocolate makes us feel a little better. I've suffered from depression all of my life.
Posted by: eric | April 29, 2010 10:05 AM
I've struggled with depression off and on for about 4 years now, and I have to admit, there might be something to this. I have noticed that I eat a lot of chocolate.
Of course it could also be that I have always been a chocoholic and probably always will be.
Posted by: Ryan | May 2, 2010 2:40 AM
I think it's more likely that a depressed person reaches for chocolate than the chocolate helps in the depression.
Posted by: Online CPR class | June 25, 2010 2:30 PM