A new study suggests that eating dark chocolate may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 190,000 participants and found that those who consumed at least five servings of any type of chocolate per week had a 10% lower risk of developing the condition.
However, it’s essential to note that this study did not prove cause and effect between dark chocolate consumption and type 2 diabetes. Other factors like lifestyle, diet, exercise, and family history could also contribute to the observed benefit.
The study found that participants who consumed at least five servings of dark chocolate per week had a 21% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed less than once a month. In contrast, milk chocolate consumption did not offer any protection against type 2 diabetes and may even increase the risk of weight gain.
While this study provides encouraging news for chocolate lovers, it’s crucial to consider the limitations. The study group was predominantly white and well-educated, so the results might not apply to everyone. Furthermore, more research is needed to understand potential health risks associated with dark chocolate consumption, such as lead and cadmium levels.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, recommends including dark chocolate in a healthy diet, especially if you choose varieties with at least 70% cocoa content. He also suggests nuts coated with dark chocolate as an even healthier option.
Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of moderation when it comes to consuming dark chocolate. As Dr. Mozaffarian emphasized, “People have this concept that healthy eating means eating things that don’t taste good.” Dark chocolate is a great example of a delicious and healthy food that can be part of a balanced diet.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/04/well/eat/dark-chocolate-diabetes-study.html