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Definition: "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance "
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13.04.2022 |
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(-)-Epicatechin, an appetite suppressant from cocoa
Cocoa contains the polyphenol (-)-epicatechin. A few days ago we told you how this substance imitates the effects of training. According to American human studies, this same (-)-epicatechin inhibits appetite in a way that may induce significant weight loss.
Study
On one occasion, the chocolate drink provided 0 milligrams of epicatechin per kilogram of body weight, on other occasions it was 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 milligrams, respectively.
150 minutes after ingestion, the subjects were given pizza and were allowed to eat as much of it as they wanted.
Results
Click on the table for a larger version.
In previous publications, the researchers had tried lower doses. This research showed that 1.6 milligrams of epicatechin per kilogram of body weight reduced appetite, but lower doses did not. [Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Sep;104(3):613-9.]
In those earlier studies, Greenberg also looked at the appetite suppressant effects of other prominent - and more complex - phenols in cocoa, but they had no impact.
Yes, but...
We reach this sad conclusion after reading an article that chemists from India's Natsol Laboratories Private Limited published in 2014 in International Scholarly Research Notices. [Int Sch Res Notices. 2014 Oct 28;2014:628196.]
Click on the table for a larger version.
An adult needs more than 120 grams of dark chocolate to consume the amount of epicatechin needed to suppress appetite. This portion provides roughly 4 times more energy than the subjects subsequently 'saved' by eating less pizza.
Only an enterprising producer of supplements or functional foods will Greenberg's research get a practical application...
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