Does chocolate make you gain weight? Myths and facts

Does chocolate make you gain weight?This is undoubtedly one of the most repeated questions when we talk about sweets or when we want to lose weight. We explain this and much more in this post. Keep reading!There are many myths about chocolate: whether it causes acne, whether it makes you gain weight, whether it causes cavities... So let us start by clearing up doubts.

Does chocolate make you gain weight?

Yes and no. Let me explain. Chocolate can make you gain weight like any other food, but not in the way we usually think. That is, provided we follow a balanced diet and do not overdo it.

By not overdoing it, we mean that you can eat between 30 and 50 g a day, around two squares, without this becoming a problem for your health or weight.

In this sense, it is very important to read product labels carefully. Why? Because milk chocolate or white chocolate, for example, have many more calories than dark chocolate, as they contain more sugar, dairy ingredients and other additions.

Does chocolate cause cavities?

No! Although this needs clarifying. In the case of dark chocolate and cocoa, not only do they not cause cavities in themselves, but they may provide fluoride, which helps slow plaque build-up.

However, if we are talking about milk chocolate and other additions, as mentioned above, the situation changes. Because it contains sugar, it is advisable to brush your teeth and use a mouthwash after eating it.

This helps remove residues that can lead to plaque or cavities on teeth and gums.

Does chocolate cause acne?

No, it does not! Chocolate does not cause acne. Our pharmacists Mercedes and Cristina could talk at length about this, but here is the quick explanation so it is clear why this is not true.

Acne is caused by an excess production of oil, triggered by hormonal changes, menstruation, certain cosmetics, allergic reactions, stress and other factors.

To date, there are no studies proving that chocolate can be behind the appearance of acne.

What can happen is that in some people a diet with a high intake of calories, saturated fats or sugars, which does not necessarily mean chocolate, can lead to more spots because the sebaceous glands that produce oil in the skin become more active.

Does chocolate make the skin age faster?

Not at all! Chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa has plenty of antioxidants, which protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, responsible for ageing.

Is chocolate behind food allergies?

Chocolate is not a typical food allergen; milk, eggs, peanuts and nuts are more common examples.

For this reason, people allergic to any of these foods should check the label carefully before eating chocolate and make sure those ingredients are not present in the composition or processing chain.

In addition, chocolate is made up of many antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease, improve mood and boost memory.

It contains flavonoids (antioxidants for the immune system thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties), fibre, polyphenols, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E and B, and minerals.

So yes, you can eat chocolate in moderation without worrying about visiting the dentist every few days, putting on extra kilos or getting spots that ruin your day. Just make sure it is dark chocolate.