February 25, 2014

Can Chocolate Possibly Help with Weight Loss?

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

It’s sweet, savory, and full of fat – and apparently, it’s now is being coined as a superfood that may help you lose weight! Wait a second. Chocolate to help with weight loss?

There is new scientific evidence that shows having a small cocoa treat regularly can not only help you stay slim, but it may also fight diabetes, keep you feeling full, and even fuel more effective workouts. These new findings are the result of a study published in the latest edition of the Journal of Nutrition. A test group of 1,500 teens who ate approximately 4 squares of chocolate regularly (42.6 g) had a lower body weight and lower percentage of body fat than those who didn’t.

Not only are these results impressive, they also go along with a prior study done at the University of California in San Diego. Those results showed that consuming dark chocolate yielded lower BMIs. Those with the lowest BMIs were not those who were more active, but those who most consistently ate chocolate! Dark chocolate is richer in cocoa and has less sugar than traditional milk chocolate, making it a healthier option.

Benefits of Cocoa

Chocolate (especially dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher) is rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to increase energy and give you a better workout and increased energy levels. So, eating chocolate can help lower blood sugar, give you more energy and a slimmer figure? I think I may just have to test out this theory for myself!

Chocolate in its natural form (without the additives) includes essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc, as well as the Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid. In addition, it has polyphenols similar to those found in wine that offer excellent antioxidant protection. These beneficial antioxidants increase circulation to the brain and heart, improving healthy blood flow. They also help to reduce the blood’s clotting function, potentially decreasing your risk of blood and cardiovascular related health issues. Together, these agents help improve various areas of health such as circulation, energy and mood. Flavonols appear to be the substances in cocoa that are responsible for boosting heart health and keeping blood pressure in the normal range. These substances appear to improve the bioavailability of nitric oxide from the cells that line the inner wall of blood vessels:

http://healthyliving.msn.com/weight-loss/more-reasons-to-love-chocolate?pagebr=2