Expert: Chocolate does not get fat and is beneficial to the body

Chocolate doesn't get fat

Obesity is a disease caused by genetic defects or the interaction of multiple factors such as overeating and lack of activity. More than 95% of obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise.

There is a study that shows that chocolate consumption is not significantly related to weight gain. In 1996, Dr. Kimura from Showa Women's University in Japan conducted an experiment called "Effect of Eating Chocolate on Obesity": chocolate replaced 20% of the energy of rat feed and compared it with normal feed for one month. Comparison was made by using body fat tissue weight, abdominal organ weight, and hematological assessment. The results showed that if the total calories consumed were the same, even if chocolate was used to replace about 20% of the energy in the feed, it would not cause obesity.

Judging from the calories released, there is no need to worry about the danger of chocolate making people fat. For example, a 50-gram piece of chocolate provides approximately 837 kilojoules of energy, which is equivalent to the energy provided by 84 grams of grain. Healthy people will not gain weight when eating chocolate while maintaining energy balance.

In addition, among the 20 major elements that account for about 4% to 5% of the human body's weight, the daily requirements for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and sodium are all more than 100 mg. A 44-gram piece of dark chocolate contains 14.08 mg of calcium, 58.08 mg of phosphorus, 50.6 mg of magnesium, 160.60 mg of potassium, and 4.84 mg of sodium, so chocolate can supplement the body's daily needs for multiple nutrients.

Studies have found that in addition to containing antioxidant components, polyphenols in chocolate can also extend the action time of other antioxidants in the body, such as vitamins, and at the same time promote vasodilation, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease. Eating chocolate in moderation will not only not gain weight, but will be more beneficial to your health.

Expert advice:

1. The principle of maintaining a healthy weight level is to maintain energy balance, that is, the energy consumed by food = the energy consumed. Eating chocolate in moderation can promote energy balance and maintain a stable weight.

2. Supplementing appropriate amount of chocolate 15 minutes before exercise will help provide energy supply during exercise and physical recovery after exercise.

Significant population:

1. People who participate in long-term, moderate-intensity, aerobic exercise;

2. Children and adolescents in the growth and development stage;

3. People who consume low energy.