(Andrea Busalacchi) Unbelievable but true! A study carried out by Detroit University showed that taking dark chocolate causes the same effect on cells of physical exercise. We are talking about mitochondria, cells’ small organelles producing energy; when we take physical exercise, their number and activity increase both in the heart and in the muscles.

The effect seems to be caused by epicatechin: this flavonoid is reported to have multi-protective effects on our organism like insulin mimetic action and antioxidant effect. The study carried out on 25 mice found that small rodents receiving epicatechin for 15 consecutive days without any physical exercise, performed as well as mice that did not take it.

These findings are just preliminary, and a study on humans needs to be carried out to confirm them. But if this is true, chocolate will keep us not only fit but also thin. With regard to this, chocolate contains theobromine, a substance reducing hunger.

A Japanese feature showed that in over-fed mice the taking of chocolate caused slimming effects. This reaction seems to depend on chocolate properties reducing the quantity of food turned into fat, and using the already existing fat. Well, are we going to have a dark chocolate-based diet?

Translated by Cristina Bonanno, John Milton Institute