A new research has revealed that there are powerful components in dark chocolate which gives protection from Type2 Diabetes. Scientists have found that ‘super foods’, such as dark chocolate, red wine, tea and berries, rich in flavanoids can help to prevent Type2 Diabetes.
The research showed that high intake of flavonoids are associated with lower insulin resistance and better blood glucose regulation. According to the study, this compound is found in plant-based foods and onions, apples, berries, kale and broccoli have the highest concentration of flavonoids. The study also found that these bioactive compounds lowers inflammations associated with diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The study is published in the Journal of Nutrition.
While all chocolates have some health benefits, dark chocolate is considered as the healthiest of all types of chocolates available. This is because of the higher concentration of flavonoids, which provide anti-oxidant benefits. This is also because dark chocolate has the least amount of unhealthy ingredients often added to chocolate – less fat and processed sugar. It stimulates the production of serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is a type of fat that is removed during chocolate refining and then added back in varying proportions during the chocolate manufacturing process. Raw chocolate is high in cocoa butter. Cocoa Products are rich in flavanols which is a sub class of flavonoids.
Types of Chocolates
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, the dried and partially formulated seeds of the cocoa tree. Chocolate liquor is blended with the cocoa butter in varying quantities to make different types of chocolates. The finest plain dark chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa (both solids and butter). Milk chocolate usually contains 50% and high quality white chocolate contains only about 35% cocoa butter. Cocoa Products are rich in flavanols which is a sub class of flavonoids. The darker the chocolate, the healthier it is.
What is Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is chocolate without milk or just with a small amount of milk. It is sometimes called plain chocolate.
Other Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Recently published studies suggests that coco and dark chocolates may decrease the risk factors of some lifestyle related diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reason for these potentially beneficial effect is thought to be the presence of highly concentrated polyphenolic compounds especially flavonoids called catachins and procyanidins.
Another cardio protective effect of dark chocolate is its ability to thin the blood by decreasing platelet activation. Human studies have revealed a decrease in platelet activity after given coco products such as dark chocolate.
A number of human dietary intervention trials with flavanol containing cocoa products has demonstrated improvements in entithilial and platelet function, as well as blood pressure. Studies provide direct evidence for the potential cardiovascular benefits of flavanol-containing foods.
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