According to some weight loss experts, eating a piece of chocolate before a meal can help you reduce calorie intake. Chocolate is commonly understood to be a sweet food, so it is often placed in the group of foods not to eat when trying to lose weight. However, some weight loss experts say that dark chocolate, which typically contains over 70% cocoa, can actually support the weight loss process. On the other hand, chocolate with less than 70% cocoa often contains added sugar and fat, so it is not good for maintaining a slim figure. Therefore, the answer to whether chocolate helps with weight loss or weight gain depends on the type of chocolate you choose and how you consume it.

According to numerous studies, dark chocolate is considered a superfood rich in antioxidants and various nutrients. Chocolate also contains flavonoids that help prevent cancer, improve cardiovascular health, and support weight loss. The main component of dark chocolate is cocoa, which contains theobromine, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

The weight loss effects of chocolate
When eaten correctly and in moderation, chocolate has the ability to control cravings. Chocolate stimulates the production of hormones that signal to the brain that you are full before you actually are. In a study, 12 women participated in two 60-minute experiments. The first time, all 12 women consumed a mixture of 100g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content and 12.5g of sugar. The second time, half of the women only smelled the chocolate while the other half did not smell it at all. The results showed that women who ate or smelled chocolate significantly reduced their levels of ghrelin hormones. The reduction in ghrelin levels leads to a decrease in appetite, resulting in consuming fewer calories and therefore promoting weight loss.

Therefore, it is recommended to eat a small piece of dark chocolate before a meal. You should choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher to avoid sugar and fat. Eating a lot of chocolate and choosing chocolate with high sugar and fat content will increase the risk of weight gain.
In addition, experts recommend maintaining regular exercise and a healthy eating regimen to support better weight loss results.
What You Need to Know About Chocolate
Despite its tasty flavor, there are long-standing concerns that eating too much chocolate may lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Despite this, chocolate continues to be a popular indulgence during holidays and a meaningful gift to share with loved ones. It is also a popular ingredient for beauty treatments.