by Cathy Johannsen |
The perfect Valentine for loved ones who have made the “lose weight” New Year resolution is the gift of Healthy chocolate. There are so many ways Americans try to lose weight. The most tried and true are dieting and exercising. Most people assume that chocolate (candy, that is) contributes to weight gain, and that certainly appears accurate. However, raw unalkalized chocolate that is cold processed, high in natural cocoa nutrients contains no sugars, hydrogenated oils and artificial ingredients, is actually beneficial.
Chocolate’s affect on weight control has many components. Cocoa provides nutrition the body needs, reducing the need for “empty calories”. People feel full while eating less. One of the active compounds in unalkalized chocolate is anandamide which helps block the brain’s appetite center. The mind believes something sweet has been consumed which satisfies cravings.
Cocoa and dark chocolate help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing binging and hypoglycemic episodes. Fiber…in chocolate? Cocoa contains fiber, which helps to block fat absorption and helps people feel full. Dark unalkalized chocolate is a great way to substitute high quality chocolate made with cold-processed cocoa for high calorie, unhealthy sugar and fat loaded chocolate candy.
Chocolate has several positive effects on the brain, seratonin levels increase, which helps promote a balanced mood. The Cocoa and dark chocolate stimulates the dopamine and norepinephrine pathways in the brain, lessening depression, which helps reduce appetite and aids in weight loss. Phenythylamine (PEA) helps one feel euphoric and excited. It may also stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure center. This helps counter the depression, often accompanied with dieting. Finally, Theobromine is similar to caffeine, but not as strong, may produce a pleasant stimulatory effect.
Cocoa helps to reduce inflammation. Increased appetite is affected by low leptin level resulting from chronic inflammation. Cocoa improves energy levels helping increase motivation to exercise and lessen the dependence on unhealthy foods for energy.
References:
- Sabelli H, et al. Sustained antidepressant effect of PEA replacement. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci, 1996 Spr, 8:2. 168-71.
- Matsui N, et al. Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating the expression of genes for fatty acid metabolism. Nutrition. 2005 May:21(5):594-601.
- Macht M, Mueller J. Interactive effects of emotional and restrained eating on responses to chocolate and affect. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Dec:195(12):1024-6.
- Macht M, Mueller J. Immediate effects of chocolate on experimentally induced mood states. Appetite. 2007 Nov:49(3):667-74.
For more info, contact Cathy Johannsen at (530) 412-4221
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