What happens to your body when you give up chocolate for a month? (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you give up chocolate for a month? ›

Leaving chocolate for a month can have several benefits. Lower chocolate consumption can lead to a decrease in overall calorie and sugar intake, according to Dr Gupta. “It can also improve dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay,” he said.

Humans can easily digest and excrete methylxanthines, the half life of theobromine being 2-3 hours. However absorption in dogs is slow, with metabolism in the liver and extrahepatic recirculation before excretion in the urine. The half life of theobromine in dogs is about 18 hours.

Also, chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat. It is a high-energy (high calorie) food, and too much can result in excess weight, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Healthier sources of polyphenols include beans, pulses, fruit and vegetables.

Chocolates improve mood, brain cognition, and even metabolism. They also have Phytochemicals that can combat inflammation after workouts. Too much dark chocolate, however, can increase the risk of kidney stones and diabetes which later causes obesity."

“Your taste buds may become more sensitive to sweetness, meaning you might find foods that were once too sweet to now be enjoyable,” she said. Chocolate can contribute to acne in some individuals, she added, so there might be some improvement in your skin.

Sugar bloom occurs when moisture from the air dissolves sugar on the chocolate's surface, while fat bloom happens when cocoa butter in the chocolate crystallizes and rises to the surface. While bloom may alter the appearance of chocolate, it doesn't necessarily indicate spoilage or render the chocolate inedible.

What are the consequences of eating chocolates? Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption could be associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

While chocolate is a delicious treat, it is important to consume it in moderation. Eating too much chocolate can lead to a variety of side effects, including digestive issues, sugar overload, caffeine overdose, weight gain, and allergic reactions.

What does chocolate do to your intestines? ›

Chocolate also contains caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration. A lack of water in your intestines makes stools dry and harder to pass. Chocolate-filled foods are typically high in sugar, which can also be tough on your bowels.

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

Dark chocolate offers multiple potential health benefits for women. These include reduced risk of heart disease due to its high flavonoid content, mood enhancement through the release of endorphins, being a source of non-heme iron, beneficial for menstruating women, and protection against UV damage to the skin.

Nut butters like peanut, almond, cashew, walnut and hazelnut are full of taste, very high in protein and low in carbs. These chocolate craving substitutes contain a good amount of fibers – almond butter is the highest on the list – which can also help improve digestion.

Deficiency or sweet tooth? Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

Hydrate. Flush out all that sweet stuff from your system by hydrating ASAP with water or other low-sugar fluids, and foods high in water content. "Drink plenty of water and go for foods like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries and yogurt," Seaver says.

If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year. As for milk and white chocolate bars, the time available is cut in half. One year if unopened and stored properly, and 6-8 months if opened and stored properly.

“The effects continue through a two-hour period after consumption, and we have ongoing research studying the amount of dark chocolate needed to consume relative to the number and amount of benefits.” The benefits after that first bite are due to the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.