Dark chocolate is sometimes regarded as a sugary treat, it may really help prevent type 2 diabetes, a prevalent metabolic disease. Research indicates that while being commonly perceived as a sugary delicacy, it may surprise many with its health benefits, including the potential to prevent diabetes.
Considered a nutritious treat, dark chocolate has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including for people with type 2 diabetes.
Cocoa antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in several studies, while the results have been mixed. Research comparing the effects of milk chocolate with dark chocolate is scarcer.
Why is Dark Chocolate So Healthy?
Because dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, it may assist people with type 2 diabetes improve insulin resistance and inflammation.
Milk chocolate often has more added sugar and less cocoa than dark chocolate, which has at least 50% cocoa. The more health advantages there are, the higher the cocoa and lower the sugar level.
Flavan-3-ols, one of the bioactive substances found in cocoa, have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and insulin-sensitivity-enhancing properties.
Due to its lower glycemic index than milk chocolate, 70% dark chocolate causes blood sugar levels to rise more slowly and gradually. Its distinct makeup, which consists of strong flavonoid antioxidants, healthful fats like cocoa butter, and less sugar, is probably the cause of this.
The Bottom Line
Consuming five servings or more of dark chocolate each week can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by 21 percent. Along with eating a generally healthy diet low in added sugar, saturated fats, and highly processed foods, you may additionally lower your risk by up to 34% by eating foods strong in fiber and antioxidants. Diabetes risk reduction requires a comprehensive strategy because other health behaviors that affect diabetes risk include stress, physical exercise, and the amount and quality of sleep.
