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Is chocolate the newest health food?
Well, that’s not all. But what might seem like a surprising result? A new study has found that eating dark chocolate every day can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
The study, led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, looked at more than 111,000 participants from three large populations, none of whom had diabetes. Coronary heart disease or cancer
Participants self-reported their dark chocolate consumption and diabetes status.
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A study in The British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that people who ate five or more servings of any type of chocolate per week They found a 10% lower rate of type 2 diabetes compared to people who never or rarely consumed chocolate. According to a study in The British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Among those who consumed five or more servings of dark chocolate, the risk of diabetes decreased by 21%.

A new study has found that eating dark chocolate every day can reduce your risk of diabetes. (Istock)
For weekly servings of dark chocolate Risk reduced by 3%
Binkai Liu, a doctoral student at Harvard, led the research. noted that this study suggests that foods rich in flavonoids, such as dark chocolate, May be useful in metabolism
The type of chocolate matters.
“It is important to note that the type of chocolate matters. Because milk chocolate does not provide the same benefits,” Liu told Fox News Digital.
The stark differences between dark chocolate and milk chocolate surprised researchers.
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“Dark chocolate appears to be effective in protecting against type 2 diabetes, possibly due to its high cocoa and flavonoid content. While milk chocolate has added sugar and a lower cocoa content. It seems to cause weight gain instead,” she said.
Nutritionist weighs
Tanya Freirich, registered dietitian nutritionist Charlotte, North CarolinaServing as The Lupus Dietitian, it is noted that the flavonols in dark chocolate are key to its benefits, as they have “very anti-inflammatory effects.”
“I agree that the antioxidant and vasodilatory benefits of flavonols can reduce the risk of diabetes,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Dark chocolate appears to be effective in protecting against type 2 diabetes due to its high cocoa and flavonoid content,” one researcher said. (Istock)
“The benefits of antioxidants anti-inflammatory And the vasodilation from flavonols improves our cardiovascular and metabolic health,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Because diabetes is a metabolic disease. Anything that reduces our inflammation is beneficial.”
The flavonols in cocoa can also stimulate nitric oxide production. This can help dilate blood vessels and may lower blood pressure. According to New Jersey registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade
Possible limitations
Liu noted that The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health. But there are some limitations.
She said observational studies like this do not establish causation. But it’s only a link.
“All kinds of chocolate. Plus, dark chocolate is high in calories. And it can result in weight gain if consumed in excess.”
“There is always the possibility of confusion. This is despite many dietary and lifestyle factors,” she said.
Additionally, the majority of study participants were elderly and non-Hispanic. Therefore, these findings may not be fully generalizable to younger and more diverse populations.”

“Because diabetes is a metabolic disease. Anything that reduces inflammation can be beneficial,” experts say. (Istock)
Palinski-Wade Add that other lifestyle habits may also help reduce the risk.
“For example: It’s possible that people who choose dark chocolate are looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake in other areas. of eating already And use dark chocolate to soak up the sweetness instead of other forms of sweets.”
Moderation is important.
Based on the research, Liu recommends snacking on dark chocolate from time to time. But she emphasizes that moderation is key.
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“All kinds of chocolate. Plus, dark chocolate is high in calories. And it can result in weight gain if consumed in excess,” she warns.
“The message is about balance and conscious choice. It is not an unlimited release.”
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Consuming about 1 ounce of dark chocolate two to three times a week can be a good way to incorporate chocolate into a healthy, balanced diet, Liu suggests.
“It is important not to think of dark chocolate as ‘Silver bullet,’” she added. “Dietary patterns and overall lifestyle choices play an increasingly important role in long-term health.”

Researchers suggest that consuming approximately 1 ounce of dark chocolate 2-3 times per week may be a good way to incorporate dark chocolate into a healthy, balanced diet. (Istock)
Freirich agreed, noting that “Dark chocolate cannot undo the damage from a lot of fast food or habits like smoking or a sedentary lifestyle.”
“Overall, you should aim to consume mostly whole foods. Not too much sugar, lots of water, and plant-based foods like vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruit,” she advises.
See more health articles at www.foxnews.com/health
Freirich adds that it’s important to discuss your personal health history and disease risk with your doctor. They can refer you to a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
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