Dark chocolate: This is how it protects against type 2 diabetes and obesity!

Dark chocolate: This is how it protects against type 2 diabetes and obesity!

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is causing a stir: The study suggests that eating dark chocolate can help significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers collected data from more than 192,000 participants over 30 years and found that those who regularly consumed dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa had a 21 percent lower risk of the condition. This shows the effect of the polyphenols it contains, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can counteract inflammatory processes in the body, as Brisant reports.

Health-promoting benefits in detail

However, the benefits of chocolate are not without limitations: Despite the positive effects, consumers must be careful as excessive consumption of chocolate, even dark chocolate, can lead to weight gain. The study showed that participants who consumed five or more servings of dark chocolate weekly not only had a lower risk of diabetes but also gained less weight compared to those who preferred milk chocolate. 19,000 of the participants surveyed in the study were ultimately diagnosed with diabetes, which underlines the relevance of the examined chocolate-specific differences, as explained on fr.de.

The key role of polyphenols, which are abundant in dark chocolate, supports the idea that moderate consumption of this type of chocolate can provide health benefits. The results of the study encourage targeted indulgence, with scientists emphasizing that chocolate should not be seen as a free pass for excessive snacking. To reap the health benefits, it is advisable not only to pay attention to the type of chocolate, but also to eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise.