A new Harvard study suggests that consuming dark chocolate may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by 21%. The research, published online on December 4 in The BMJ, found no similar benefits for milk chocolate consumption.
Researchers analyzed data from over 192,000 adult participants who reported their food habits and health status over a period of 30 years. Participants who consumed at least five ounces of dark chocolate per week had a 10% lower risk of T2D compared to those who never or rarely consumed chocolate. The impact was even stronger: consuming at least five servings of dark chocolate per week reduced the risk by 21%.
In contrast, milk chocolate consumption was not associated with reduced T2D risk and may even contribute to weight gain, a potential contributor to T2D development.
The study’s findings suggest that polyphenols in dark chocolate may offset the negative effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight management and diabetes. However, it is essential to note that participants’ chocolate consumption was relatively low compared to national averages, and the results may not apply to individuals with very high chocolate consumption.
While this research holds promise for those at risk of T2D, its impact on reducing A1C levels in individuals already diagnosed with T2D requires further investigation.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/harvard-study-eating-dark-chocolate-could-reduce-your-risk-of-diabetes-by-21