Half Just as Satisfying as Whole Chocolate: Study

A recent study says that half a slab of chocolate could be just as satisfying as snacking on a full bar.

Using chocolate chips, apple pie, and potato chips, researchers Ellen van Kleef, Mitsuru Shimizu, and Brian Wansink from Cornell University investigated whether people given smaller portions of snack foods would feel hungrier or satisfied 15 minutes after eating.

Know Chocolates Better - History - Types - Health Benefits - Reference
Chocolates are healthy. Here are the most important things you have to know about chocolates - its history, types, health benefits of eating different kinds of chocolates and why people love chocolates. It’s all here.

The results showed that smaller portion sizes are capable of providing similar feelings of satisfaction as larger ones, according to a Cornell statement.

Those given larger portions consumed 77 percent more food, amounting to 103 calories more, but they did not feel any appetite enhancing or stronger feelings of satiety than the group with the smaller portions.

Overall, these findings reflect the importance of portion size.

Food and Mood
People are more alert when their brains are producing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, while serotonin production in the brain has been associated with a more calming effect.

While larger portions result in increased food intake, smaller portions may make you feel equally satisfied.

Two groups with different portion sizes were tested. The larger portion size group was given 100 grams of chocolate, 200 grams of apple pie, and 80 grams of potato chips, all slightly larger than the recommended portion sizes.

Eating chocolate makes you happy
According to a web-based survey, biting a bar of chocolate every day is connected to good mood and happy feelings. Eventhough chocolates are high in

This equalled 1,370 calories in snack foods.

The other group was given 10, 40 and 10 grams of these same foods respectively, for a total of 195 calories.

Good News For Chocolate Lovers
Flavonol, a cocoa component is said to enhance the functioning of brain.

The two groups were given as much time to eat as needed, and were asked to fill out surveys to rate the liking, familiarity, and boredom with food.

Source-IANS