Dark chocolate and weight loss

Image by ulterior epicure via Flickr

Everyone is on the weight-loss bandwagon with exercise, running, jogging, videos and walking the dog.  The infomercials are forever touting a new product that will rev up the metabolism and help the body loose weight.  Well, guess what?  There are several natural foods that will help along the journey. What are these miracle foods?  Deep dark Chocolate and weight loss. 

Chocolate facts 

Chocolate comes from the theobroma cacao tree.  It has been cultivated for three thousand years in Mexico, Central and South America.   The cacao seeds originally have a very bitter taste and must be fermented to develop the flavor.   Through the processing sugar, milk and are added, as in the case of  higher calorie milk chocolate.


Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavanoids which may help prevent the accumulation of fat cells in the body.  It also contains theobromine and phenylthylamine which also may assist in blood pressure control.  Of course, the key to the positive effects is consuming this food in moderation.  It is recommended that dark chocolate be consumed three times a month for this protective effect.

Summary

Best bets are to drink plenty of water; maintain an exercise plan of at least 30 minutes daily.  Cut back on sweets, carbs, fats and salt.

Sources:
http://www.wikipedia.com/

"Five surprising fat burners to help you loose weight"
http://www.eating.health.com/