According to a study, the risk of diabetes could be reduced if dark chocolate was included in the daily diet

Is chocolate the newest health food?

Well, not exactly – but a perhaps surprising result: A new study has found that eating dark chocolate every day could reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

The study, led by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, examined more than 111,000 participants from three large cohorts, none of whom had diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Participants self-reported their dark chocolate consumption and diabetes status.

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According to study results in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), those who ate five or more weekly servings of any type of chocolate had a 10% lower rate of type 2 diabetes than those who never or rarely consumed it.

Those who consumed five or more servings of dark chocolate had a 21% lower risk of diabetes.

A new study has found that eating dark chocolate every day could reduce the risk of developing diabetes. (iStock)

For each weekly serving of dark chocolate, the risk decreased by 3%.

Binkai Liu, a Harvard doctoral student who led the research, noted that the study suggests that flavonoid-rich foods like dark chocolate may have potential metabolic benefits.

It depends on the type of chocolate

“It’s important to note that the type of chocolate matters because milk chocolate did not show the same benefits,” Liu told Fox News Digital.

The stark difference between dark and milk chocolate surprised the researcher.

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“Dark chocolate appeared to have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes, likely due to its high cocoa and flavonoid content, while milk chocolate – with its added sugars and lower cocoa content – appeared to contribute to weight gain instead,” she said.

Nutritionists weigh in

Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian in Charlotte, North Carolina who practices as a lupus nutritionist, found that the flavanols in dark chocolate are key to its benefits because they are “very anti-inflammatory.”

“I agree that the antioxidant and vasodilator benefits of flavanols may reduce the risk of diabetes,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Dark chocolate appeared to have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes, probably due to its high cocoa and flavonoid content,” said a researcher. (iStock)

“The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator benefits of flavanols help improve our cardiovascular and metabolic health,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Since diabetes is a metabolic disease, anything that reduces our inflammation helps.”

According to New Jersey-based nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade, the flavanols in cocoa can also stimulate nitric oxide production, which can help dilate blood vessels and potentially lower blood pressure.

Possible limitations

The research funded by the National Institutes of Health had some limitations, Liu noted.

An observational study like this, she said, does not establish causality, only connections.

“All chocolate, including dark chocolate, is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.”

“There is always the possibility of residual confounding, even after we have taken many dietary and lifestyle factors into account,” she said.

“In addition, study participants were predominantly older adults and non-Hispanic Americans, so the results may not be fully generalizable to younger and more diverse populations.”

“Since diabetes is a metabolic disease, anything that reduces our inflammation helps,” said one expert. (iStock)

Palinski-Wade added that other lifestyle behaviors could also contribute to lower risk.

“It is possible, for example, that people who choose dark chocolate are already trying to reduce added sugar in other areas of their diet and are instead using dark chocolate to indulge their sweet tooth, as opposed to other forms of sweet treats. “

Moderation is key

Based on the study results, Liu would recommend enjoying dark chocolate occasionally, but stressed that moderation is key.

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“All chocolate, including dark chocolate, is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess,” she warned.

“The message is about balance and mindful choices, not limitless indulgence.”

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Eating about 30 grams of dark chocolate a few times a week could be a good way to incorporate the treat into a healthy, balanced diet, Liu advised.

“It’s also important not to think of dark chocolate as a ‘silver bullet,'” she added.

“General dietary habits and lifestyle choices play a much larger role in long-term health.”

Eating about 30 grams of dark chocolate a few times a week could be a good way to incorporate the treat into a healthy, balanced diet, the researcher advised. (iStock)

Freirich agreed, noting that “dark chocolate cannot undo the damage caused by many fast food meals or habits such as smoking or a sedentary lifestyle.”

She advised: “Overall, you should continue to aim to eat mostly unprocessed foods, not too much sugar, plenty of water and plant-based foods such as vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and fruits.”

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Freirich added that it is important to discuss your personal medical history and disease risk with a doctor, who can refer you to a registered dietitian for individual nutritional advice.