Are you the kind of person that feasts on chocolate when celebrating something?
Or do you reserve this comforting superfood for days when you need something to light up your mood? Either way, if you are a chocoholic, here is some good news for you.
Consuming limited amounts of dark chocolate may help improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, two important factors in the onset of diabetes, according to research.
Worry no more if you love chocolates but have to give them up due to your spiking sugar levels, as with portion control and picking the right type of chocolate, you can manage everything like a cakewalk.
Here are some helpful tips for all chocolate lovers.
Link between diabetes and dark chocolate
Before you start adding dark chocolate to your diet, here are some facts you must know about the link between dark chocolate and diabetes.
Dark chocolate contains polyphenols- naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties, which protect the body from damage by harmful molecules. Polyphenols may enhance insulin sensitivity, or how effectively insulin functions in the body. In turn, this might support blood sugar management. This increased insulin sensitivity can potentially delay or perhaps prevent the onset of diabetes.
How to pick the right dark chocolate
1. Pick the polyphenol-rich dark chocolate as not all chocolate is created equal. It’s the polyphenol-rich dark chocolate that contains antioxidants, and the higher percentage of cocoa that yields health advantages.
2. Read the nutrition facts to ensure you are getting the most from the chocolate.
3. Choose dark chocolate that has at least as much fibre as sugar.
4. Check if the dark chocolate has been processed with alkali (this process makes cocoa less bitter but eliminates the chocolate’s health properties). Opt for a non-processed one.
5. If sugar-free dark chocolate is available that is sweetened with stevia or other natural sugar, opt for it.
6. Eat it in moderation. If you eat too much of it, your blood sugar levels will fluctuate for sure.
Bottom line
If you have diabetes, it is best to limit the food intake of items that are loaded with refined white sugar. That doesn’t mean you completely stop eating sugary foods. Treating yourself occasionally to a bite or two of dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet could provide some sweet health benefits. Keep in mind the above-given tips to pick out the right kind of chocolate. Be vigilant of the ingredients added to the chocolate and practice portion control to enjoy the best of both worlds- manage blood sugar and enjoy the decadent flavours of chocolate.
