Eating dark chocolate soothes period pains and anxiety, study finds

ok.co.uk:

That time of the month is always inconvenient and never fun - especially if you suffer from cramping and period pains. Around nine out of 10 women in the UK suffer from period pains, and many are forced to curl up in bed with a hot water bottle or take a painkiller to manage the discomfort.

But research has shown that eating dark chocolate in the days before you are due to start can be beneficial.The study of 84 nursing students also revealed that listening to relaxing music can reduce discomfort during the first day of menstruation.Turkish experts believe endorphins released by the body after eating chocolate and listening to music help reduce pain and act as a natural sedative.

According to the NHS, period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens, cutting off the blood supply and releases chemicals that trigger pain.The study, published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, tracked women aged 18 to 25 studying at Manisa Celal Bayar University.

Participants all ranked their period pain equivalent to a five out of 10. Want your daily star sign reading straight to your inbox?