Thanks to things like flavonols, catechins, and polyphenols in dark chocolate, it is often touted as a healthy food. In fact, it has been directly linked to several health benefits, such as improved heart health and brain function as well as reduced inflammation. Because it has even reached “superfood” status, there are some people who wonder if dark chocolate will help with weight loss.
While the effects of dark chocolate on weight loss may not be as quick or evident as things like CoolSculpting Elite, there are some potential benefits to know about. Keep reading to learn more.
Improve Insulin Sensitivity
There is some research that has suggested that dark chocolate can help improve a person’s sensitivity to insulin. This is the hormone that is responsible for moving sugar out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it is used for energy.
This helps reduce insulin levels in the blood, which are associated with reduced fat storage and increased weight loss. While more research is needed, smaller studies have also found that dark chocolate can improve blood sugar control. This is going to help prevent crashes and spikes in levels of blood sugar, which may cause certain symptoms, such as increased hunger.
Reduce Appetite and Hunger
Studies have shown that dark chocolate may also help to reduce cravings while promoting feelings of fullness, which will help support a person’s weight loss efforts. According to one study that included twelve women, eating and smelling dark chocolate reduced appetite while decreasing levels of ghrelin, which is the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.
Also, women eating dark chocolate were shown to consume up to 17% fewer calories while eating a meal compared to those who consumed milk chocolate.
Mood Enhancement
Dark chocolate may also have a positive impact on mood and mental health. That helps ensure the person feels their best, which is going to help promote weight loss. In fact, according to a study, those who ate larger amounts of dark chocolate had a 57% reduction in experiencing symptoms of depression than those who did not consume this chocolate regularly. Keep in mind, though that additional research is required to determine if dark chocolate has actual mood-boosting benefits or if it could be beneficial for weight loss.
Potential Downsides of Consuming Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss
While dark chocolate may offer several benefits for weight loss, there are a few downsides to think about, too. For example, dark chocolate is high in calories and fat. A single, one-ounce serving of this chocolate has around 155 calories and almost nine grams of fat. Based on the specific product and brand chosen, just one serving can contain up to one-half or one-third of the number of calories that are found in a regular chocolate bar. There are some types of dark chocolate that also contain higher amounts of sugar, which can harm a person’s health.
When it comes to dark chocolate, there are some pros and cons related to eating it for weight loss. Just remember, too much of anything will not be good. Moderation is necessary and the right type of dark chocolate should be consumed to ensure the desired results are achieved and that a person does not experience subpar results from eating it.
