The researchers are using data from the HELENA study group to assist them in gathering results for this study. The various types of data includes diets, fitness, and various health measures. This data was collected from 1,458 teenagers who were between the ages 12 and 17 and from nine European countries. They completed a questionnaire asking them to remember what they had eaten in the past 48 hours. In addition to the data collected, they also had access to the individuals' body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, and activity levels. After the analysis of all the data it was found that teenagers get the same effect from chocolates as adults do; the teenagers that intake chocolates will stay slim. Other factors were disregarded in comparison of the body fat and chocolates.
Of course there has to be a precise reason behind this effect of chocolates. It has not been found out yet, but some observations have been made. Similar studies have shown that flavonoids could be the cause for keeping humans leans. Flavonoids also seem to prevent cardiovascular disease through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The risk of strokes are also lowered through lowering bad cholesterol by reducing its blood concentrations. Just a quick note: dark chocolate does not do this alone, but milk chocolate does, too. In fact, the flavonoids are part of chocolates so all types of chocolates have this effect (with other factors disregarded).
