To say that chocolates will go straight to your hips is passé, the latest research says you will actually weigh less. Wait, before you reach for the chocolate bar, you have to read between the fine lines of the research. While researchers in San Diego have revealed that antioxidants in chocolate are not only good for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, but also your weight, there is merit in understanding first and bingeing later. Let’s delve deeper.

Lead by Beatrice Golomb researchers from the University of California used data from a study of cholesterol-lowering drugs on healthy adults. The new research took into account how often the study's subjects ate chocolates and how this related to their weight management. The original study included 1000 individuals between the age groups of 20-85, with an average Body Mass Index of 28 (overweight, but not obese).

Golomb's research found that people who ate chocolates often, consumed higher calorie food - especially saturated fats, but still lost weight. On the flip side, the study revealed that individuals who consumed far less chocolates, weighed more than the chocolate lovers.

However, the study's findings may not be taken at face value, as the reasons behind this link between chocolate consumption and weight loss remain unclear. This is partly due to the fact that the sample group wasn't large enough to derive any conclusive evidence about chocolate's weight controlling properties. But, within its scope, the research did find that individuals who ate up to five servings of chocolates a week weighed 2.3 to 3.2 kg less than individuals who rarely ate chocolates.

An interesting point to note is that the weight loss was linked to the number of times chocolate was consumed in a week. This is especially important when you analyse that the frequency of consumption had something to do with portion control and the lack of starvation mode.

Golomb concluded, “If you consume chocolate, consume it in place of something else, rather than adding to your net daily calories.” Researchers were unanimous about the fact that chocolate should be eaten in moderation.

Word of caution: This research does not prove you can eat large amounts of chocolates everyday. If you want to lose weight you still have to exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

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