London, Nov 25 (IANS) Dark chocolate may ease the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, says a new research.

It is characterised by extreme, persistent fatigue for six months or more with other problems as muscle pain, headaches and poor memory.

Dark chocolate is rich in chemicals known to increase signals carried around the brain but this is thought to be the first time the confection has been found to help symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, reports the Telegraph.

Researchers from the University of Hull and the Hull York Medical School in Britain tested a group of patients with a severe form of the disease, according to Nutrition Journal.

They ate dark chocolate for eight weeks, followed by a break and then another variety with little cocoa but which tasted the same.

They were asked to eat 15 grams three times a day and not make any other changes to their diet. They reported significant improvement in their wellbeing.

Prof Steve Atkin who led the study says: "This is potentially very encouraging news for those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome."