2. Dark Chocolate
Research points to stress-relieving properties of dark chocolate that go beyond the taste buds. In a large German study, those who ate the most dark chocolate over ten years had lower blood pressure than those who ate the least. Another study showed a reduction in a stress hormone in people who ate dark chocolate often. Alas, dark chocolate still has “not-so-good-for-you fat, sugar, and calories,” registered dietitian Kathleen M. Zelman reminds us, so stick to a few small squares a day.