Extensive research has been conducted on the health benefits of dark chocolate for cardiometabolic health. However, the findings have been inconsistent, leading to debates on whether the pros of this treat outweigh the cons. A new study involving nearly 200,000 US adults sheds light on dark chocolate’s impact on type 2 diabetes risk and weight gain.
A recent analysis by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Chinese scientists found that consuming five servings of dark chocolate per week could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 21% compared to those who rarely or never indulge in it. Interestingly, fans of milk chocolate did not experience the same potential benefits and were more likely to have negative health outcomes.
According to the researchers, increased intake of milk chocolate was associated with weight gain, while increasing dark chocolate consumption did not show the same effect on weight over time. The study analyzed data from over a quarter of a century involving participants from various health surveys.
The research highlighted that individuals who consumed five servings of dark chocolate per week had the lowest prevalence of type 2 diabetes. The study also emphasized the health benefits of dark chocolate over other types such as milk chocolate.
While the study had some limitations, such as self-reported data and the observational nature of the research, previous studies have shown positive outcomes related to the consumption of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate with higher cacao content has been associated with better heart health and lower risk of type 2 diabetes due to its flavanols content.
The researchers suggested that the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate could help mitigate the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and other metabolic factors. They also pointed out that dark chocolate’s polyphenols might influence how the body metabolizes sugar and fat, potentially offsetting weight gain and lowering cardiometabolic risk factors.
While dark chocolate consumption showed positive associations with health outcomes, further clinical trials are necessary to establish causal relationships. The study was published in the BMJ journal.
