Date Added: January 16, 2013 10:28:36 PM

Obesity is one of the leading health problems in the world today. Caused by too much food consumption and lack of physical activities, this condition is characterized by the accumulation of too much fat in the body, leading to health problems and reduced life expectancy. For most people, avoiding obesity means giving up on food that they think has been causing them to gain a lot of weight over the years. However, what they fail to realize is that giving up on food items, such as chocolate, will not help solve their problem, especially if they continue to consume other types of food. In reality, chocolate is not as harmful to health as it is represented to be. belgian chocolate, for example, contains phenol, which is known to help lower blood pressure. It also has antioxidizing properties that can help solve problems affecting the arteries.

Where Chocolates Come From

Chocolate comes from cacao beans, which are processed into cocoa butter. Dark chocolates come from this type of production and they retain the vitamins and minerals that are inherent in cacao beans. On the other hand, some manufacturers produce compound chocolate, which is developed using vegetable oil instead of cocoa butter. The process helps them produce a cheaper alternative, which is quite healthy as well. However, this type of chocolate manufacturing makes use of saturated fat, which is not advantageous to health. To prevent gaining weight from eating chocolates, you need to consume a bar that has less than 50% fat content. Knowing the ingredients used in the preparation of your favourite chocolate bar is essential so that you can control the amount of chocolate that you consume.

Slimming Benefits

Apart from the health benefits that come from phenol and the antioxidants found in cocoa, chocolate also helps in the process of metabolism. Appropriate consumption of this delightful treat can actually make you burn more calories. Studies indicate that people who take a bite or two of dark chocolate after a meal actually lose more pounds compared to those who don’t eat chocolates at all. Aside from that, real chocolate can also help maintain the sugar level in the body as well as improve its sensitivity to insulin.

Consumption

It has always been pointed out that eating the appropriate amount of chocolate can actually help the body lose weight. So how much is enough when it comes to chocolate? Medical researchers recommend a daily chocolate consumption of less than 150 calories. This means that you can take a bite of your favourite Belgian chocolate around five times a week without worrying about gaining weight. However, you should make sure to also control your food consumption in general. Although chocolate is often associated with high levels of sugar, controlled proportions can help balance this disadvantage. Apart from proper portion control, it is also important that you observe a healthy and active lifestyle. This will help you burn the calories that you have consumed throughout the day.

Battling obesity is not only about avoiding certain food choices. It is more about maintaining a healthy and balanced diet coupled with the right physical activities. So, the next time you want to indulge in chocolate, do so without worrying too much about gaining weight. However, make sure to eat only the right proportion.