**Novel Dark Chocolate Biscuit with Wormwood Extract Shows Promise in Appetite Regulation and Weight Management**
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| **Novel Dark Chocolate Biscuit with Wormwood Extract Shows Promise in Appetite Regulation and Weight Management** |
**Novel Dark Chocolate Biscuit with Wormwood Extract Shows Promise in Appetite Regulation and Weight Management**
The research
conducted by a team from the
- In their initial pilot study, 11 healthy participants were involved. They were
- administered two distinct types of dark chocolate biscuits: a standard version
- with a conventional cocoa flavor, and an experimental version enriched with
- the wormwood extract, which constituted 16% of the biscuit's composition.
Following consumption, participants' subjective feelings of hunger and fullness were meticulously assessed using validated questionnaires. Furthermore, crucial biochemical markers, specifically the levels of key appetite-regulating hormones, were measured.
The results were encouraging
Participants who consumed the wormwood-enhanced
biscuit reported a discernible reduction in hunger levels. Concurrently, they
exhibited elevated levels of satiety hormones compared to their counterparts
who consumed the traditional cocoa biscuit. This suggests a physiological
response to the bitter compounds, influencing the body's natural appetite
control mechanisms.
- Delving into the potential mechanism of action, the researchers elucidated
- that the bitter wormwood extract appears to influence the gut-brain axis. It is
- believed to help regulate the secretion of ghrelin, often dubbed the "hunger
- hormone" due to its role in stimulating appetite. Simultaneously, the extract
- is thought to stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-
1 is a critical incretin hormone that plays a multifaceted role in
metabolic regulation, including enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric
emptying, and, significantly, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing food
intake.
Interestingly
GLP-1 is the same hormonal pathway targeted by several modern and highly effective weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for diabetes). By naturally stimulating GLP-1, the wormwood-infused biscuit could offer a dietary strategy to achieve similar, albeit likely milder, appetite-suppressing effects.
- This includes reducing the desire to eat, prolonging the feeling of satiety after
- a meal, and potentially slowing the absorption of glucose into the
- bloodstream, all of which are conducive to weight management.
Dr. Flavia Prodam
the lead author of the study, commented on the participants' feedback, noting
that individuals who consumed the "bitter biscuit" – which was
nevertheless described as "delicious" – experienced reduced hunger, particularly
before their evening meal. While this effect was more pronounced at this
specific time, it highlights a potential window for strategic use.
- Dr. Prodam emphasized the broader implications: "Educating people to eat
- less is crucial, but often insufficient due to the powerful psychological
- component of eating, especially in the context of obesity. People often seek
- comfort in food. Therefore, developing palatable food options that inherently
- reduce appetite could be a very successful strategy for weight control."
Theresearch team is now planning more extensive clinical trials. These future studies will aim to rigorously evaluate the biscuit's impact on actual food intake and body weight, particularly in individuals living with obesity. Should these larger trials corroborate
the initial promising findings, this functional
food could soon be available as a consumer product, offering a tasty and
scientifically-backed option for those seeking support in managing their weight.
While not a standalone solution, such an innovation could complement broader
dietary and lifestyle interventions.
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