A recent scientific investigation discovered an unknown effect of chocolate consumption and its impact on the body. The study conducted by experts from the University of Murcia and Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed how this food influences postmenopausal women, a group prone to weight gain. During the research, participants consumed 100 grams of milk chocolate at different times of the day, in the morning and at night, alternating with periods without consumption.
According to the study led by Marta Garaulet, professor of Physiology at the University of Murcia, and Dr. Frank A.J.L., chocolate consumption was not directly associated with a significant increase in weight or changes in body composition, despite the intake of 542 additional calories per day. This was attributed to several factors, such as a decrease in hunger and desire for sweets, a possible thermogenic effect that helps burn calories, and an increase in physical activity observed during the study, among others.
Additionally, studies with dark chocolate reinforced these findings, indicating that its consumption is not directly related to weight gain or negative changes in blood lipid or glucose levels. Although the results raise questions about the relationship between chocolate and body weight, more research is needed to explore its effects on different population groups and conditions.
The research also revealed that the timing of chocolate consumption may influence its impact on the body. Those participants who consumed chocolate in the morning reported a reduction in daily caloric intake of 300 calories, while those who consumed it at night reduced their intake by 150 calories. This reduction in the consumption of other foods suggests that chocolate acts as a moderator of hunger and desire for sweets, without increasing body weight. Additionally, chocolate intake could trigger an increase in spontaneous physical activity and carbohydrate oxidation, helping to prevent fat accumulation.