Eating dark chocolate can lose weight?

Due to the content of beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and catechins in dark chocolate, this product is often hailed as a healthy food. In fact, chocolate improves heart health, reduces inflammation, and boosts brain function. Dubbed a superfood, does eating dark chocolate help you lose weight?

People who are trying to lose weight may not need to eat chocolate for this purpose. A new US government-funded study of nearly 1,000 healthy adults shows that those who regularly eat chocolate actually weigh less than those who regularly eat less. The researchers found that people who ate chocolate five times a week had an average body mass index (BMI) about one point less than those who did not regularly eat chocolate. For a woman 5 feet 6 inches tall and 125 pounds, one BMI point equals about 5 pounds.
Although regular chocolate eaters also reported eating more calories and more saturated fat than those who ate less chocolate. However, the researchers suggest that may be because the calories in chocolate are being offset by other ingredients that boost metabolism.
There are several reasons why eating dark chocolate reduces weight :
1.1 Improves metabolism Dark chocolate contains a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs, which help promote metabolism to burn calories fast. than. A study conducted at Queen Margaret University, UK, showed that chocolate affects the way our body synthesizes fatty acids and reduces the absorption of fats and carbohydrates.
1.2 Dark Chocolate Prevents Insulin Spikes The healthy fats in dark chocolate slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and, therefore, prevent insulin spikes from being transported straight into your fat cells. There are also studies showing that dark chocolate can help improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for getting sugar out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used. to generate energy. This helps lower insulin levels in the blood, which in turn helps you lose weight and reduce fat storage. Although more research is still needed, some small studies have found that dark chocolate may help improve blood sugar control. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes and drops in blood sugar, preventing symptoms like increased hunger.

1.3 Suppressing Appetite Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that dark chocolate eliminates cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods, as it provides a feeling of fullness. Experts say dieters who occasionally eat chocolate can also maintain weight loss because they don't feel uncomfortable when they don't eat chocolate.
In a study in 12 women, smelling and eating chocolate reduced cravings and decreased levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates feelings of hunger. Also in a small study of 16 people, comparing the effects of 2 types of dark chocolate and milk was found and shown that the participants in the study felt less hungry and they were more satisfied after eating dark chocolate. . What's more, they also consumed 17% fewer calories at their next meal, compared with participants who ate milk chocolate.
However, more research is still needed to evaluate how dark chocolate might affect appetite and food intake compared to other foods.
1.4 Encourage exercise Chocolate has anti-inflammatory ingredients that, when combined with a good source of magnesium, can help reduce pain. If you're sore after a strenuous workout session, sip on an ounce of dark chocolate in the evening.

1.5 Brings a sense of happiness Weight loss is not the only benefit of eating dark chocolate. Some experts say that dark chocolate also brings "high levels of happiness". Research has found that people who regularly consume chocolate are less stressed, sleep better, and have lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Dark chocolate is also packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, which can damage our cells.
Several studies have found that chocolate can positively affect mental health and mood, so you're motivated to help promote weight loss.
According to a study in 13,626 people, those who consumed a lot of dark chocolate had a 57% lower incidence of depressive symptoms than those who did not regularly consume dark chocolate.
In another small study, eating 1.5 ounces (40 grams) of dark chocolate daily reduced stress levels in women over 2 weeks. Furthermore, a study in 72 adults found that drinking dark chocolate for 30 days led to increased feelings of calmness and satisfaction on self-assessment, compared with a placebo.

While dark chocolate may offer some potential benefits for weight loss, besides eating dark chocolate for weight loss there are some downsides to consider.
First, chocolate is relatively high in fat and calories. In fact, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of chocolate contains 155 calories and nearly 9 grams of fat. This depends on the brand and product and a serving can contain between half and a third of the calories in a standard chocolate bar.
Some types of dark chocolate are also high in added sugars, which can be harmful to your health. In addition to increasing the number of calories in a product, sugar can contribute to chronic health conditions like liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
Therefore, although dark chocolate can fit into a weight loss diet, it is still important that you follow a proper diet and avoid overeating. Ideally, use about 1 ounce of chocolate (28 grams) at a time and choose chocolates that are low in sugar and contain at least 70% cocoa.

Once you have answered the question of whether eating dark chocolate will help you lose weight, you should probably give yourself a reasonable diet along with dark chocolate. However, keep in mind that consuming too much chocolate can be harmful to health and cause a number of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to consider and consult the doctors at Vinmec International General Hospital.

Source: healthline.com - webmd.com