Chocolate chemical could enhance low-carb diet

In a surprising study, researchers have discovered that chemicals found in chocolate could enhance the weight loss effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.
The study, published in the International Archives of Medicine, suggests that the bioactive compounds in chocolate could offer a number of health benefits.
Of course, the study does not suggest that eating large quantities of chocolate will be good for one’s health. But, taken along with a low-carbohydrate diet and plenty of exercise, chocolate could improve cholesterol levels and aid weight loss.
The chocolate study and diabetes
The study is good news for people with diabetes. If the findings are prove, chocolate could improve, which would help to prevent people from becoming obese or overweight. Obesity increases the risk of a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Moreover, the study indicated that chocolate could lower levels of “bad” cholesterol. The arteries of people with diabetes are particularly vulnerable. Over time, prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels can damage the arteries, making them narrower and more likely to clog. Managing cholesterol levels is vital, therefore, for people with diabetes.
How was the study conducted?
The researchers separated the participants into three groups: The first followed a low-carbohydrate diet; the second followed a low-carbohydrate diet with 42 grams of dark chocolate a day; and the third group simply followed their normal diet.
The researchers the body weight of the participants, as well as providing questionnaires related to quality of sleep and general well-being.
The low-carb groups lost more than the group that followed their normal diet. But interestingly, the low-carb group with added chocolate lost ten per cent more. And the weight did not come back within the next three weeks, a problem frequently encountered by the non-chocolate low-carb group.
The added-chocolate low-carbohydrate group also had lower levels of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and reported better sleep and general feelings of well-being.
Chocolate and diabetes
One of the most common myths about people with diabetes is that they cannot ever eat chocolate. This isn’t the case, but too much is definitely a bad thing.
Dark chocolate is more advisable for people with diabetes than milk alternatives.
“Diabetic” chocolate alternatives, however, are not recommended. The reduction in blood sugar spikes is minimal, it is expensive, and many people report laxative effects.
Chocolate: surprising health benefits?
Johannes Bohanno, research director of the Institute of Diet and Health, said: “To our surprise, the effect of chocolate is real.
“It is not enough to just consume chocolate, but in combination with exercise and reduction in carbohydrates, our data indicate that chocolate can be a weight loss accelerator.
“The researchers suggest that high-cocoa chocolate has the potential to enhance other diets as well.”