Bitter foods, such as bitter melon and black coffee, have a certain effect on weight loss. Dark chocolate is also bitter and contains almost no sugar, but it has a high fat content. Will eating dark chocolate make you gain weight? How high is its calorie content?
How many calories does dark chocolate have?
The calorie content of different brands of dark chocolate may vary slightly, but most are above 500 calories per 100 grams. Taking Dove Dark Chocolate as an example, its calorie content is:
Calories: 542 calories per 100 grams;
Nutritional composition: 59.50 grams of carbohydrates, 32.50 grams of fat, 4.60 grams of protein;
Will eating dark chocolate make you gain weight?
Yes, it will.
Dark chocolate contains slightly less sugar and milk, but its fat content is not reduced. Moreover, most of the fat is saturated fatty acids, and its calorie content is considerable, about 5 times that of rice. It is a food that can lead to weight gain and should not be consumed during weight loss.
How to eat dark chocolate without gaining weight
Eat in moderation
Dark chocolate contains a high amount of saturated fatty acids, which means it has a strong satiety. It can help suppress appetite. The polyphenols in dark chocolate also have a certain effect against obesity. As long as it is not overeaten, it will not cause weight gain. It is recommended to eat no more than 10 grams of dark chocolate per day.
Pair with milk for breakfast
Breakfast is the time when metabolism is most active, and the body needs high-calorie food to replenish energy on an empty stomach. Putting dark chocolate in hot milk and eating it can quickly consume and provide energy without causing weight gain. If eaten at night, it is very easy to gain weight.
What are the disadvantages of eating too much dark chocolate?
Eating too much dark chocolate will first lead to weight gain due to its high calorie content. Secondly, due to the high fat content in dark chocolate, eating too much will increase the burden on the gastrointestinal digestion. Additionally, consuming too much dark chocolate, which contains a lot of polyols, can cause stomach cramps or diarrhea.
Attention! If it is real dark chocolate with high cocoa content and almost no sugar, it will not increase cholesterol levels in the blood. Eating it appropriately can even reduce bad cholesterol levels.
What are the benefits of eating dark chocolate?
Protects cardiovascular health
Pure dark chocolate is rich in a natural antioxidant called flavonoids. This substance can prevent fat from depositing on the inner walls of blood vessels, protect cardiovascular health, and prevent blood clotting.
Lowers blood pressure
Dark chocolate is rich in a substance called flavanols, which can produce nitric oxide in the body, leading to blood vessel dilation and lowering blood pressure.
Promotes metabolism
Dark chocolate contains abundant antioxidants such as flavonoids, flavanols, and polyphenols, which can help promote metabolism.
Anticancer effects
Dark chocolate contains a large amount of flavonoid compounds, which can fight against free radicals. Free radicals are the source of more than 100 types of cancer, so eating dark chocolate has certain anticancer effects.
Enhances mood
Chocolate contains substances and magnesium ions that can alleviate mood. It can increase the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain, bringing a sense of tranquility and better eliminating tension and stress.
Stabilizes blood sugar
The flavanols in dark chocolate have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar. In addition, studies have found that eating 100 grams of dark chocolate per day for 15 days enhances insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.
Improves memory
The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can alleviate low mood and stimulate people. Therefore, chocolate also has an effect on improving concentration, enhancing memory, and increasing intelligence.
