Study: Dark Chocolate Consumption Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in BMJ found that dark chocolate consumption is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes(T2D), a benefit not observed with milk chocolate . Researchers highlight the need for more randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved.

Binkai Liu , a doctoral student at Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, emphasized that choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate can positively impact health. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists advises pharmacists to actively educate and counsel patients , eliminating barriers to these services.

The study used data from Nurses Health Study, Nurses Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, excluding participants with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline.Diet was assessed every four years through food frequency questionnaires, and T2D was identified through self-reports and confirmed by study doctors. Weight loss data was also collected biennially.

Among the 192,208 individuals analyzed , those consuming higher amounts of chocolate had increased energy intake, saturated fats, and added sugar. Dark chocolate consumption was associated with healthier eating patterns, including higher fruit and vegetable intake and total flavonoid consumption, while milk chocolate showed inverse associations.

Individuals consuming five or more servings of chocolate per week had a 10% lower of T2D compared to non consumers.Specifically, dark chocolate consumption reduced the risk by 21%, while milk chocolate showed no significant association with T2D. Furthermore, milk chocolate consumption was linked to weight gain, unlike dark chocolate.