Researchers at Oxford Brookes University found that patients who consumed flavonoid-rich cocoa drinks daily for six weeks reported experiencing less fatigue and pain.
The researchers believe this is because the flavonoids in cocoa have anti-inflammatory properties.
The study, published in the BMJ Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, included approximately 40 patients recently diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and fatigue.
The researchers divided the participants into two groups. Patients in the first group received a high-flavonoid cocoa powder mixed with hot rice milk daily for six weeks, while patients in the second group received a low-flavonoid drink for the same duration.
All participants were asked to wait 30 minutes before taking any medication, and their fatigue levels were assessed daily before and after consuming the beverage, on a scale of 1 to 10.
The researchers found that after six weeks, 11 of those who drank the high-flavonoid cocoa showed a slight improvement in fatigue, compared to eight of those who received the low-flavonoid beverage.
Those who drank the high-flavonoid cocoa were also able to walk further than those in the second group during a six-minute walking test.
The researchers said their findings suggest that dietary interventions can offer long-term benefits in managing fatigue by improving both fatigue tolerance and walking ability.
Source: Daily Mail