Best time to enjoy dark chocolate for weight loss and heart health

When to eat it to boost your mood

Having dark chocolate as a midday snack can uplift your mood thanks to caffeine and natural stimulants it contains, helping you beat the afternoon slump without causing major blood sugar spikes.

Dark chocolate also supports gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria, which contributes to a better mood.

A study found that people who consumed dark chocolate with 85% cocoa content experienced greater mood improvements than those who ate sweeter 75% varieties. The difference was linked to a higher level of healthy gut bacteria.

For weight loss

The best time to eat dark chocolate for weight loss is in the morning. In one study, participants who consumed chocolate early in the day did not gain weight. They also experienced:

• Reduced cravings for sweets
• Lower appetite
• Decreased fasting blood sugar
• Smaller waist circumference

Dark chocolate's anti-inflammatory and anti-fat properties may support fat loss by increasing the body's energy expenditure. Other nutrients, such as copper and manganese, may aid weight control by boosting blood flow, metabolism, and energy production.

For heart health

Eating dark chocolate earlier in the day, such as in the morning, may also be best for heart health. Morning consumption helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings throughout the day compared to eating it in the evening.

Dark chocolate is linked to a 37% reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Its flavanols offer several heart health benefits, including:

• Relaxation of blood vessels
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced inflammation

Nutritional value of dark chocolate

A 30-gram serving of dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa) contains approximately:

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 12.1 g
• Protein: 2.21 g
• Fiber: 3.09 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Sugar: 6.8 g
• Copper: 0.5 mg
• Iron: 3.37 mg
• Magnesium: 64.6 mg
• Zinc: 0.93 mg

Tips for eating dark chocolate wisely

To get the most benefit from dark chocolate, follow these tips:

• Avoid added sugars, especially in products with lower cocoa content or added flavors like caramel
• Be mindful of caffeine because natural stimulants in dark chocolate can affect sleep or energy levels if overconsumed
• Watch the calories as it's calorie-dense, so portion control is key

You may be interested in

• The benefits and downsides of chocolate, and which type is best
• What happens to your body if you eat a whole chocolate bar every day
• Which is better for your health: dark or milk chocolate

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.