Harness the power of chocolate! A recent news report based on a new study shows that individuals who eat chocolate regularly are skinnier than those individuals who are not regular consumers. This news made quite a buzz in the chocoholic’s world and with good reason because chocolate lovers always like more good reasons to justify eating gourmet chocolate.
The latest study, and the first of it’s kind, that was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, lead author Dr. Beatrice Golomb states, “It’s not the case that eating the largest amounts of chocolate that is beneficial, it’s that eating it more often that is favorable.” She also adds, “In the case of chocolate, this is good news both for those who have a regular chocolate habit, and those who may wish to start one.”
There is more good news to help you understand what the reasons are behind chocolate and weight loss. We know from previous studies that chocolate helps boost serotonin levels in the body. What is serotonin? 
Serotonin is a natural occurring chemical in the brain a.k.a. a neurotransmitter and it also a natural appetite suppressant. When a person consumes chocolate the body converts it into ‘tryptophan’, the building block for ‘serotonin’ that is then turned into ‘melatonin’. (This may explain why some people who eat raw organic chocolate have claimed that they sleep better. I happen to be one of those people and sleep fantastic since consuming raw organic dietary chocolate.)
Serotonin plays a very important role in human health and when the body does not produce enough of this chemical there are many chain reactions that begin to surface and are displayed with various illnesses such as but not limited to:
- Depression (major)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Dysthymia
- Teen Depression
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Mental Illness (Schizophrenia)
- Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)
- Migraine
- Tension Headache
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Fibromyalgia (Fibro)
At the other end of the spectrum is a condition called Serotonin Syndrome and occurs when the body has too much serotonin. Many types of drugs and some herbal supplements have been linked to causing excess serotonin levels in the body. If left untreated could cause unconsciousness or even death.
If you are concerned about your serotonin levels or think you may have a serotonin deficiency, then visit your doctor to discuss your concerns and to request a test that will determine the levels in your body. Keep in mind that ‘food is medicine’, that regular consumption of raw organic chocolate is a pleasant way to boost those serotonin levels that will help keep your ‘health in check’ and it will help you to lose weight. Science continues to suggest and recommend eating at least one ounce a day (28grams) and I encourage you to harness the power of chocolate.
