Cacao

Besides being delicious treats, cacao and cocoa may also be good for your metabolism. According to research done on mice, for instance, cocoa and cocoa extracts may encourage the production of genes that increase fat burning. Particularly in mice given high-fat or high-calorie diets.

It's interesting to note that one study claims cocoa may inhibit the activity of enzymes required for the breakdown of fat and carbohydrates during digestion, which may hinder the body from absorbing them and the calories they contain. Studies on the effects of cocoa, cacao, or cacao-based foods like dark chocolate on humans are rare. Strong conclusions cannot yet be made without additional research. Choose raw types of cacao if you want to give it a try. Processing frequently results in a decrease in the number of healthy compounds and an increase in sugar and calories.