Wait, did you read that right? Eating chocolate to lose weight? A candy bar is the last thing you would pick up if you planned on knocking off a few pounds. But does chocolate deserve all the hate? Not quite! Chocolate is maligned for all the wrong reasons. But did you know that cocoa – the main ingredient in chocolate – has many weight-loss properties. It’s a good source of antioxidants. But can I eat chocolate and still lose weight? There’s a catch. If you thought your store-bought, high sugar milk chocolate would do the trick, you are wrong. For weight loss, the only good chocolate is dark chocolate (fight us!). Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate You Should Know Of.

Cocoa is packed with nutrients. Every gram of chocolate is rich in magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus and fibre. Dark chocolate is also full of polyphenols, catechins and flavanols. The less processed the chocolate, the more beneficial it is. 6 Common Myths About Chocolates Busted That Will Make You Want to Eat More of These Cocoa Treats.

The flavanols in chocolate help lower blood sugar and decrease body fat. Eating bite-sized portions of chocolate won’t hurt, but avoid overindulging with a whole bar.

Dark chocolate also helps in reducing stress. Eating small amounts can help you relax and lessen the effects of stress on your waistline. Eating your favourite dessert triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, which lessens anxiety and improves your mood. Eating chocolate also reduces bad cholesterol or LDL and raises levels of good cholesterol.

How to Choose Chocolate for Weight Loss

When it comes to eating chocolate for weight loss, pick ones that have a higher percentage of cocoa. The higher the better. But if you find a 90 percent dark chocolate unpalatable, there’s no reason to force one down your throat. Also, pick genuine chocolate instead of compound chocolate.

Chocolate bars may sometimes be loaded in sugar to make up for the bitterness. Avoid wolfing down more than a few pieces for optimum results. Break off a piece and melt it on your tongue as an after-dinner dessert.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2019 03:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).