Chocolate for Weight Loss?

According to a Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry publication, researchers from Taiwan have gathered new data on why a diet rich in antioxidants and natural flavonoids is so beneficial for weight loss. Vegetables, berries, fruits, nuts, and even tea, red wine, chocolate and cocoa are the main dietary sources of naturally-occurring antioxidants, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.  Experts say that people who eat plenty of these highly beneficial nutrients rarely suffer from obesity and related diseases.

Taiwan scientists Dr. Yen and Dr. Hsu say that natural fat-fighting antioxidants are especially plentiful in fresh fruits and veggies, as well as in such traditional beverages as coffee, wine, hot chocolate, and green tea. Although it has been known for a long time that valuable components of these foods and drinks have strong health-supporting properties by reducing the risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, certain types of cancers, and other illnesses, it has still been unknown how exactly antioxidants affect adipose, or fat, cells of the body.

In the reported study, the scientists looked at the fat-burning effect of a group of substances known as flavinoids and phenolic acids, which had been naturally derived from plants. When these isolated antioxidants were added to a fat cell culture of laboratory mice, the cells reacted by producing fewer fat-secreting enzymes and fatty chemicals called triglycerides, which are one of the main metabolic contributors to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.

The researchers suggested that natural antioxidants can successfully fight obesity, improve the blood lipid profile, reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Another study conducted by researchers of Cornell University has demonstrated that chocolate and cocoa contain more natural antioxidants than such traditional hot drinks as tea and wine.

During the study, a team of researchers led by Professor Chang Yong Lee compared antioxidant content of red Merlot wine, freshly brewed green and black teas, chocolate bar, and hot cocoa. The results showed that hot cocoa has twice as many beneficial antioxidants as red wine and green tea and almost five times more antioxidants as black tea! Hot cocoa also demonstrated a better antioxidant profile than cold chocolate.

In order to enjoy a full spectrum of slimming and health-supporting properties of natural antioxidants, opt for a diet rich in plant foods – fruits, berries, fresh juices and greens, and do not be afraid of tasty winter beverages, especially coffee and cocoa, the scientists advise. Several cups of hot chocolate could be better for your waistline than a bottle of diet Pepsi!

The Cornell research adds to a vast body of evidence of the weight loss and health-promoting properties of natural antioxidants found in cocoa beans. Chocolate and hot cocoa are now proven to be delicious choices for those who want to drop off unwanted weight and maintain superb health!

Kim Suffolk

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