Everyone knows that eating chocolates and other candies can make you fat. How would you feel, however, if we told you that this widely believed fact weren’t actually a fact? In fact, we’re going to tell you the opposite.
What if eating chocolate could help make you slimmer?
It’s true; chocolate does contain a whole lot of calories—especially when compared to other healthier foods. So why do studies show that people who eat chocolate on a very regular basis are the ones with less body fat compared to those who don’t?
Several researchers suspect that chocolates contain a different form of calories. Apparently, ingredients found in chocolate appear to make an individual’s metabolism work hard—counteracting or canceling out any fat that would have otherwise stayed around. Yes, that’s right. Certain ingredients in chocolate have metabolic effects that make chocolate a calorie-neutral slimming food. Basically, an individual’s weight is not simply dependent on the number of calories a person consumes a day—but also the basic composition of these calories.
Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor at the University of California – San Diego and the lead researcher of this study, considers chocolate to be a plant food, as it is primarily comprised of cocoa butter and chocolate apart from sugar and milk. Cocoa butter is believed to be rich in stearic acid, which is a saturated fat that has favorable effects on a person’s cholesterol level.
In order to study statins, which are cholesterol-lowering drugs, the chocolate-eating habits of over 970 men and women were studied, with the average age of 57. None of the participants knew of any heart problems, and were extensively asked questions related to their lifestyle and diet. Of course, they were asked questions about how often they eat chocolates. Their Body Mass Indexes were also recorded.
The findings were surprising. People who ate more than average amounts of chocolate statistically had a lower Body Mass Index compared to those who didn’t. These participants were overweight with an average BMI of 28, and enjoyed some chocolate at least twice a week. These participants did not engage in more exercise, nor did they consume less calories overall.
Unfortunately, studies have not yet concluded which type of chocolate is best for those who do not wish to gain weight. Also, no link has yet been discovered between a person’s chocolate intake and a lower or higher Body Mass Index.
Also, researchers warn the public that this study may not necessarily apply to all products that contain chocolate. It is still very possible that others can gain weight from chocolate consumption.
What does this study tell us about our food consumption and dieting? Researchers have concluded that although it is important to track the total number of calories one consumes, it definitely shouldn’t be the sole focus of one’s diet. Indulging in a regular chocolate habit doesn’t need to cause as much guilt as it used to. If you never were much of a fan of chocolates, now’s a great time to be one!
About the Author:
Amy C is a freelance writer. She mostly tackles health issues along with tips and suggestions to battle the most common problems that go along with it. When she is not giving health information, Amy helps in the blogging and administration activities of Broadband Expert Group, a high speed internet provider company. Check out for her next post to learn more on how to live healthy.
Leave a Reply