Dark chocolate and weight loss: Separating fact from fiction
What's the story
Dark chocolate has been praised as a health food, even capable of helping you lose weight.
Sure, it has antioxidants and other good stuff, but the notion that dark chocolate can make you lose weight by itself is an illusion.
Here's the truth behind the claims, and whether dark chocolate actually deserves a place in your weight loss plan, or is it just another myth.
Nutritional facts
Nutritional content of dark chocolate
We all know that dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
But it is also high on calories and fat. A typical serving of dark chocolate can pack around 150 to 200 calories and up to 12 grams of fat.
While these nutrients have health benefits, overindulging without considering calorie intake may not help you lose weight.
Metabolic effects
Impact on metabolism
Some studies do indicate that dark chocolate could affect metabolism a little due to its caffeine content and other compounds such as theobromine.
These compounds may increase energy expenditure a little, but not enough to contribute to weight loss on its own.
Depending on dark chocolate alone for metabolic boosts could be of no use without other lifestyle changes.
Emotional eating
Psychological factors in consumption
Dark chocolate is often eaten for mood-enhancing effects, thanks to serotonin production stimulation.
Though it can uplift mood temporarily, it may also cause emotional eating if you indulge in it too much as a comfort food.
This could negate any possible weight management benefits by increasing overall calorie intake.
Serving size awareness
Portion control importance
When including dark chocolate in your diet, portion control becomes extremely important.
Having it in small servings can fit into a healthy diet without hindering weight loss.
It's important to measure out portions carefully and factor them into daily caloric limits instead of thinking that unlimited consumption will help in losing weight effectively.