Consuming several servings of dark chocolate each week may help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to new research.
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Significant Health Benefits
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that individuals who ate at least five servings of dark chocolate per week experienced a 21% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never consumed dark chocolate. Moreover, the benefits appeared to increase with additional servings. For each extra weekly serving, the risk decreased by 3%, the study revealed.
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No Benefits from Milk Chocolate
Unlike its darker counterpart, milk chocolate offered no such protection. Instead, the study, which tracked over 190,000 U.S. healthcare professionals for more than 30 years, linked milk chocolate consumption to long-term weight gain—a key risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
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Diabetes in the U.S.
Type 2 diabetes affects tens of millions of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition arises when the body struggles to use insulin effectively. Preventative measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity, can lower the risk of developing the disease, the CDC notes.
Left unmanaged, Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, vision issues, and skin conditions.
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Why Dark Chocolate?
The exact mechanisms behind dark chocolate’s protective effects remain unclear. Researchers theorize that the higher cocoa content in dark chocolate plays a critical role. Cocoa contains bioactive compounds that may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism, among other health benefits.
Despite containing sugar and saturated fats, dark chocolate is also rich in polyphenols, which may counterbalance those ingredients’ effects on weight gain, the study authors noted.
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Moderation Is Key
While the findings suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, experts caution against overindulgence. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle remains the cornerstone of diabetes prevention.
For those seeking a sweet treat, dark chocolate may provide a small yet significant boost to long-term health.
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