By Sayer Ji
One of my favorite past times is not only eating chocolate, but reporting on it.
Recently, for instance, I reported on a myth-busting study finding chocolate burns belly fat, as well as improves cholesterol.[i] Before that I reported on research indicating that the medicinal properties of chocolate are so powerful that this treat gives the 29 billion dollar statin drug industry a run for its moneyas far as protecting you from the #1 cause of death in the Western world.
No doubt, chocolate lovers are reveling in the fact that their love affair with this irresistible treat is increasingly being officially sanctified by today’s lab coat wearing priestly caste. After all, many folks suffer from a love/hate relationship with chocolate; ambivalent over their habitual consumption of something still generally considered to be ‘candy,’ and indeed is still placed in the candy aisle of institutions such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
** Please note that this post may contain affiliate links which means that I can receive a small payment if you make a purchase through my links.
Now, a new observational study published in the journal Nutrition, confirms that chocolate consumption may have significant health benefits. The European study titled, “Association between chocolate consumption and fatness in European adolescents,” found a higher chocolate consumption was associated with lower total and central fatness in European adolescents.
The study method was reported as follows:
This study comprised 1458 adolescents (ages 12.5-17.5 y) participating in HELENA-CSS (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study). Dietary intake was self-registered using a computer-based tool for 24-h dietary recall on 2 non-consecutive days. Weight and height were measured, and BMI [body mass index] was calculated. Adiposity was estimated using skinfolds (Slaughter’s equation) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Waist circumference was measured. Sexual maturation also was recorded. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry.
The results were summarized as follows:
Higher chocolate consumption was associated with lower levels of total and central fatness, as estimated by BMI, body fat estimated from skinfolds and BIA, and waist circumference, regardless of potential confounders (P ≤ 0.01).
The researchers took into account and made methodological adjustments to exclude the following confounding factors:
- Age
- Sex
- Sexual maturation
- Total energy intake
- Saturated fat intake
- Fruit and vegetable intake
- Physical activity level
- Tea and coffee consumption
And finally, they repeated the analysis excluding obese and overweight adolescents “Due to the general assumption that individuals with higher levels of adiposity are more likely to underreport dietary intake,” but the results did not change.
So, the obvious question that emerges is how exactly is chocolate reducing ‘fatness,’ to use the researcher’s politically incorrect choice of terminology?
The researchers offer as a possibility that chocolate (especially flavonoid rich, darker varieties) could improve insulin sensitivity and cortisol production, which both can have a beneficial long-term effect on weight maintenance.
They add that while chocolate consumption has traditionally been linked with “sweets, having an abundance of calories in the absence of significant nutrients, and is therefore considered an unhealthy food,” recent reports suggest that chocolate consumption in adults is associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders due the following physiological actions:
- Antioxidant
- Antihypertensive
- Anti-atherogenic
- Antithrombotic
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Endothelial relaxant (nitric oxide enhancer)
Indeed, on the GreenMedInfo.com database, we have been indexing chocolate (and cocoa’s) broad range of potential therapeutic physiological properties. Of the 45 diseases chocolate (or its constituents) have been studied to be of potential value in, cardiovascular disease related health problems are top of the list. You can view thechocolate research database page to learn more.
Given the growing body of research on the value of chocolate, regular chocolate lovers such as myself can continue to enjoy our ‘treat,’ and know that it isn’t just generating a momentary high, but may confer real and lasting health benefits. But what should be emphasized is that there are serious draw-backs to mass market chocolate. If it is not organically produced, fair-trade and as dark and unprocessed (raw is best) as is feasible, it won’t be as good for you physically or spiritually. And remember that many seemingly artisan and/or organically-sourced brands such as Dagoba and Green & Black are now owned by multinational corporations whose overall investments are in methods of production that may run counter to the organic and non-GMO movements. So, do your research and choose wisely.
Are you struggling to lose weight and keep it off?
Are you feeling run down and are struggling with ever increasing health problems?
Green Thickies new 7 Day Detox will help you drop a dress size, improve your skin, your energy will soar and you are going to be so in control and proud of yourself.
You won't go hungry on this diet ... And better yet - it actually requires minimal time in the kitchen.
Get results like this...
Hi Katherine,I just wanted to tell you I completed the 7 day detox and I feel so great.
I have lost 6lbs, do not feel like I need more my morning coffee, the flushing of my facial skin from rosacea has dramatically reduced and I am so excited to wake up each morning and make a green thickie for breakfast!!
I am a stay at-home, homeschooling momma of 3 littles and at times so busy I would forget to feed myself!
I would go most of the day without eating and then snack on random things.
I gained 60 pounds the last 6 years during pregnancy.
I have lost 30lbs but recently plateaued and have felt so frustrated.
I’ve tried everything from paleo and keto to the point where I didn’t know what to eat or how much and felt like even eating fruit was bad for me which thankfully it’s not!
What a game changer for me. Thank you for sharing a simple but effective program.
I’m so excited to continue another week with this plan! Thankful Stephanie
Use this special voucher to get $10 off: WEBSITE (Add discount code WEBSITE at the checkout)
Click here to get started
Read Katherine's inspiring comeback story, From Fat and Fatigued To Lean and Loving Life In 4 Months.
Send Katherine a message on Instagram, Facebook, or email here.
- How To Use Bananas For Sleep (Bedtime Banana Elixir Recipe) - January 14, 2022
- Why You Can’t Eat Your 5 A Day (And The EASY SOLUTION) - November 29, 2021
- 10 Second Banana Ice Cream Recipe (Using Only Bananas) - November 1, 2020
Hi, I’m Katherine. I lost 56 pounds and recovered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by replacing meals with Green Thickies – my original smoothie concept.
Leave a Reply