A bit of chocolate at breakfast might actually help out with keeping blood sugar levels low specifically for postmenopausal women.
In a small study, researchers from Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston (in collaboration with investigators at the University of Murcia in Spain) found that eating a small amount of chocolate in the morning may help to reduce blood sugar levels.
The study divided a group of 19 postmenopausal women into three tests that lasted two weeks. One group ate 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of chocolate in the morning, one group ate 100 grams of chocolate in the evening, and one group had no chocolate—but their eating habits were otherwise not controlled.
After the two weeks, researchers found that the women who had a piece of chocolate in the morning had 4.4% lower fasting glucose levels. Additionally, they found that having morning or evening chocolate resulted in decreased hunger and fewer sweet cravings.
“Our findings highlight that not only ‘what’ but also ‘when’ we eat can impact physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of body weight,” said neuroscientist Frank AJL Scheer, Ph.D., MSc.
Fun, healthy ways to enjoy chocolate as part of your morning routine
This was a small study and it’s does not necessarily mean you should start your day with 100 grams of chocolate, but there’s also no real reason not to start your day with a bit of this delicious food, especially if it’s dark chocolate.
Nutritional psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, M.D., posed the question: “Does dark chocolate need to be your treat, or can it be something that you have for breakfast?” According to this study, it might be OK—and Ramsey says so, too, especially if it’s organic raw cacao.
The flavanols in cacao increase blood flow to the brain. They get involved with the micro biome. They are involved with short-term memory and in the areas where neurogenesis (new brain cell growth) happens in the brain.
Some favorite chocolaty breakfast ideas include the chocolate pancake, simple double chocolate muffins, chocolate avocado smoothie with a hidden serving of veggies, and dark chocolate on toast.
Dig in and enjoy all the goodness of chocolate in a whole new healthy way….Bon Appetite
