Does eating chocolate help reduce your risk of diabetes? New research suggests so, but it depends on the type of chocolate you choose.
1. Eating dark chocolate may reduce your risk of diabetes
Eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from the Department of Nutrition at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University suggests. In the study, researchers analyzed health and dietary data from about 192,000 health professionals participating in two long-term research projects.
After three decades, nearly 19,000 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Of the nearly 112,000 who specifically reported their dark and milk chocolate intake, nearly 5,000 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that people who consumed at least 5 ounces (140 grams) of any type of chocolate per week had a 10% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, when the researchers looked more closely, the data revealed a clear difference between dark chocolate and milk chocolate.
Choosing to eat dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
Eating milk chocolate may cause long-term weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. " We were surprised by the clear difference between the effects of dark chocolate and milk chocolate on diabetes risk and long-term weight control. Although dark chocolate and milk chocolate have similar calorie and saturated fat contents, it is possible that the rich polyphenol content in dark chocolate offsets the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and diabetes, " said researcher Qi Sun, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology at the TH Chan School of Public Health.
2. Benefits of dark chocolate over milk chocolate
For anyone who loves chocolate, choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate can make a positive difference to your health. When comparing chocolates, dark chocolate tops the healthiest list.
Dark chocolate is lower in added sugar and fat than milk or white chocolate, and it is high in beneficial antioxidants called flavonoids. Milk chocolate and dark chocolate have similar ingredients, but they differ in their cocoa solids content. Dark chocolate has between 50% and 90% cocoa solids, while milk chocolate has between 10% and 50%. The higher the cocoa solids content, the more flavonoids and the lower the sugar content.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols
Flavanols are a type of flavonoid found in plants such as the cocoa tree, the cocoa beans from which chocolate is made. Flavanols are abundant in cocoa beans, from which manufacturers make cocoa solids. Chocolate contains two to three times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate.
Flavanols are involved in the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Better blood flow is also good for overall health. Due to their antioxidant properties, flavanols are also beneficial in fighting cell damage associated with aging.
Although more research is needed, scientists have found some evidence that flavanol-rich chocolate may increase insulin sensitivity. The more insulin sensitive you are, the more efficiently your body uses insulin to convert glucose into energy. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols.
Important source of minerals
Dark chocolate is packed with important minerals including iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and phosphorus. In the body, these minerals are used to support factors such as immunity (zinc), healthy bones and teeth (phosphorus) and contributing to improved sleep quality (magnesium).
Rich in fiber
Compared to other sweets, dark chocolate is high in fiber. There are about 4 grams of fiber in 28 grams of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate improves mood
If you feel better after eating dark chocolate, there's a scientific basis for that. Dark chocolate has long been associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Those feelings may stem from its powerful antioxidant properties, which help reduce stress and improve blood circulation.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/loai-so-co-la-giup-giam-nguy-co-mac-benh-dai-thao-duong-172250205160151207.htm
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