One of the best ways to send the right messages to your genes, reduce inflammation, and burn fat is to eat the right fats: the omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) found in fish oil¹¹. A new fat has been discovered that also controls our energy metabolism and inflammation through the PPAR receptors: OEA (oleoylethanolamide)¹² (commonly found in cocoa butter, dark chocolate and cocoa nibs; see below for more information on these).

Turning on PPAR receptors with fish oil, antioxidants, or chocolate shuts down NF-kB and thus reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition to fish oil and cocoa butter, which is found in dark chocolate or cocoa nibs, antioxidants also turn on the PPAR receptors. Therefore antioxidants also help you become more insulin-sensitive, burn more fat, and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants in food and in supplements may be helpful in regulating your weight.



Further, foods that are high in phytonutrients have a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Some of these phytonutrients, called flavonols, are found in fruits and vegetables such as berries, grapes (hence the benefits of red wine), tea, and cocoa. Chocolate¹³ (the dark kind) contains phytonutrients called polyphenols.^* These are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules that cool off inflammation and can help protect you against obesity. That’s right, I said it. Chocolate can be a weight loss food!

Before you go out and stock up on Snickers, there are some caveats. First the chocolate must be free of added saturated fats and rich in cocoa. Cocoa is the plant that chocolate is made from,and it is where the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols come from.

This combination of properties can be found only in special kinds of dark chocolate. So when you go out and stock up on chocolate, take the following factors into consideration: The chocolate should have only minimal amounts of added sugar, and it should have as much cocoa in it as possible. Many of the dark chocolates that are on the market today specify the content of cocoa on the label. You should aim for at least 70 percent cocoa content. In addition, keep in mind that even this special kind of dark chocolate should be eaten in moderation, about two to three ounces a day. Don’t start eating 15 chocolate bars a day and think it will improve your health!

You can also try cocoa nibs -- roasted, unprocessed, whole cocoa beans. They are crunchy, delicious, and full of polyphenols and OEA, a special fat that helps you burn fat.