This is the research you've been waiting for if you want an excuse to feel better about dessert nights.
According to a recent study, eating modest amounts of dark chocolate can both satisfy your sweet appetite and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is a major contributor to chronic illness. Thus, in order to identify lifestyle factors linked to the condition, Harvard researchers tracked around 200,000 individuals over a 30-year period. The researchers discovered an intriguing correlation after controlling for risk factors including age and physical activity: those who consumed at least five ounces of dark chocolate weekly were 21 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
But not every kind of chocolate is made equally. Eating milk chocolate raised risk, maybe because it was linked to long-term weight gain, but eating dark chocolate reduced risk by 3% for each single serving.
Although observational studies like this one cannot establish causation, the researchers think there are explanations for why dark chocolate has been associated with improved health. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate often contains fewer calories and sugar. Additionally, the plant elements in dark chocolate may help increase insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
Any diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight is the best way to prevent type-2 diabetes. In order to prevent overindulging, dark chocolate consumers may have discovered a better approach to balancing sweets with nutritious foods. This is just another illustration of why you don't have to follow a diet that is flawless. Chocolate can contribute to taking good care of your health and taste buds if you practice mindfulness.
Reference:
Liu B, Zong G, Zhu L, Hu Y, Manson J E, Wang M et al. Chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: prospective cohort studies BMJ 2024; 387 :e078386 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078386
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