Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to a disorder which tends to cause extreme fatigue. It's not the exhausted feeling you get which just goes away after you get some rest. Rather, it typically stays around for at least 6 months and holds you back from going about your daily routine efficiently.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue include physiological problems like tender lymph nodes, sore throat, sleep problems, pain in multiple joints, headaches, memory problems, and muscle pain, among others.

Other medical disorders come with these symptoms, as well, making it difficult to diagnose. The precise causative factors for chronic fatigue syndrome are still unknown. Practically anyone can suffer from it, but it is commonly seen in women in their 40's and 50's. It can't be cured, but it is highly treatable.

Chocolate, which is rich in polyphenol, could improve the symptoms of this illness. Cocoa has been proven to boost the production of neurotransmitters in the brain such as anandamide, phenyl ethylamine, and serotonin.

Studies were done regarding the impacts of polyphenol-rich chocolate in individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Turns out, polyphenol-rich chocolate helps in improving the symptoms experienced by the patients. Two participants were even able to go back to work after experiencing all the troublesome symptoms for two years long. Thus, they stayed on high cocoa polyphenol-rich chocolate.

To sum it all up, having 15g high cocoa polyphenols rich chocolate thrice every day can improve the tired feeling and enhance the overall function of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome over an 8-week period.

It's official, chocolate studies just keep getting better!

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Joanna Maligaya

Staff Writer/Content Developer at Chocolate University Online

Ever since she can remember, Joanna has always considered chocolate as the ultimate food for her soul. She believes in the saying, “9 out of 10 people love chocolate, and the 10th always lies.”

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