If you needed another reason to love chocolate, you’ve got one. According to a new study, the phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells may help reverse obesity. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois, suggests that three of the phenolic compounds in the shells have powerful effects on fat and immune cells — in mice, at least. The findings suggest that cocoa bean shells could potentially reverse the chronic inflammation and insulin resistance associated with obesity.
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Cocoa bean shells contain high levels of three beneficial bioactive chemicals also found in cocoa, coffee and green tea — protocatechuic acid, epicatechin and procyanidin B2. Researchers created a water-based extract containing these compounds and tested its effects on white fat cells, as well as immune cells. They examined the impact that the phenolic compounds had on the cells and found that when they treated the fat cells with the extract, damaged mitochondira in the cells were repaired and less fat accumulated in the white fat cells. The phenolic compounds helped block inflammation and restore insulin sensitivity to the cells.
While the results of the study sound positive, it’s likely not in your best interest to chow down on a pile of cocoa bean shells. Researchers say that once extracted from the shells, the phenolic compounds could be added to foods or beverages to boost their nutritional value.
Obesity in both children and adults has been a growing problem in the United States. Other serious health effects and complications can also arise due to obesity, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallstones, osteoarthritis and cancer. While many factors can contribute to obesity, an inappropriate diet consisting of minimal healthy fats and excessive carbohydrates, sugar and protein is often largely to blame.
Healthy fats are the body’s preferred source of fuel, which is why they are so important to your diet. A ketogenic diet is ideal for people who are suffering from chronic illnesses and obesity, as well as those who simply want to optimize their health. Benefits from a ketogenic diet include improved weight loss, decreased risk of chronic inflammation, lower risk of cancer, improved muscle mass, reduced appetite, lower insulin levels, improved mental clarity and increased longevity. Learn more about the ketogenic diet here.