Should you eat dark chocolate on a weight loss diet?

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KEY STORY

  • New Delhi: Dark chocolate is often considered a healthful food due to the presence of various beneficial compounds like polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. Research suggests these compounds may improve health in a number of ways – such as improving heart health, enhancing brain function and decreasing inflammation.
  • A lot of people trying to get rid of those unwanted pounds also wonder if they should add dark chocolate to their weight loss diet as this delicious treat gains popularity among health conscious.
  • The cocoa in dark chocolate is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can have positive effects on body and mind.  Here we take a closer look at the scientific studies to find out whether eating dark chocolate can help you get leaner and fitter.

    Dark chocolate for weight loss: Does it really work?

     

  • Studies have shown that dark chocolate may help you lose weight by reducing cravings and promoting feelings of fullness. For instance, a study involving 12 women reported that smelling and eating dark chocolate resulted in decreased appetite and reduced levels of ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin.
  • According to an article published in December 2016 in the Journal of Nutritional Science, dark chocolate contains phytonutrients called flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that act as antioxidants and may play a role in weight loss, heart health and cancer prevention.
  • One study which included 14 menopausal women showed that eating dark chocolate led to greater reductions in food intake – when compared with white and milk chocolates. In fact, several studies suggested that dark chocolate may play a role in boosting your mood and mental health, which, in turn, may help with weight loss. However, more work is required to assess the link between dark chocolate and weight loss.

    Possible downsides to consider

     

  • While researchers believe that dark chocolate may have some potential benefits when it comes to losing weight, one should always keep a few things in mind. For instance, dark chocolate is high in calories and fat, which can cause unhealthy weight gain if eaten in excess. Some types of dark chocolate come with high amounts of added sugar, which can increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, etc.

     

  • If you’re on a weight loss diet and are fond of eating dark chocolate, opt for high quality products that have low added sugar content. Perhaps, making simple changes to your lifestyle that includes a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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