A new study suggests that choosing one type of chocolate may have an unexpected health benefit: a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Massachusetts analyzed data from 111,654 nurses who reported their eating habits, including chocolate preferences, through surveys conducted in the 1970s and 1980s.

After tracking their health for an average of 25 years, the study found that eating five or more servings of dark chocolate per week reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21%.

This relationship remained strong even after adjusting for factors such as calorie intake, lifestyle and diet.

Interestingly, the study published in BMJ found no similar benefits for milk chocolate.

In fact, higher milk chocolate consumption was associated with no reduction in weight gain and diabetes risk.

Researchers reported that the health benefits of dark chocolate can be attributed to its high flavanol content. Flavanols, naturally occurring compounds that are also found in fruits and vegetables, have been linked to better metabolic health and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Milk and white chocolate, on the other hand, typically contain more sugar, a known risk factor for metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Study comes with warnings

However, the study authors cautioned that these findings do not prove cause and effect.

Although the link between dark chocolate and reduced diabetes risk is promising, other factors may also play a role. They highlighted the need for more controlled trials to confirm these results and explore the biological mechanisms behind the benefits of dark chocolate.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health problem, affecting approximately 463 million people in 2019, with the number expected to increase to 700 million over the next 20 years.

According to a recent report by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RISC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), India will record the highest number of diabetes patients globally in 2022, accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s 828 million cases. Is responsible for more.

Managing the condition requires constant attention to diet and blood sugar levels, along with the risk of serious complications.

The study’s findings may help people make informed dietary choices to support their health. The study highlights the potential of dark chocolate as a part of a balanced diet, providing a sweet way to manage health while still enjoying food.