Is Dark Chocolate Good For Diabetes Control?

Can diabetics eat dark chocolate? has always been a questions you would want to know about as there is a common belief that all sweets must be avoided. But you can keep dark chocolate as an exception to the list.

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, naturally occurring chemicals with antioxidant qualities. These antioxidants are beneficial in protecting the body from toxic chemicals. These polyphenols can help increase the insulin sensitivity, which is the effect of insulin in the body. Improved insulin sensitivity may postpone, if not prevent, the onset of diabetes.

Nutritional Profile

Because most dark chocolate candy bars include a blend of cocoa solids and cocoa butter, assessing the nutritional value can be challenging. Check the label carefully to ensure that you're getting the most out of the prospective advantages without eating more fat or sugar than you planned. Darker chocolate means an increased volume of caffeine. About 50 g of 70% dark chocolate may contain 50-60 mg of caffeine, nearly half the amount found in a 250 ml cup of coffee. So, if you are managing your caffeine intake, keep an eye on your dark chocolate intake. In general, a 25 g of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contents comprises:

• Calories - 170
•  Protein - 2 grams
•  Fat - 12 grams
•  Carbohydrates - 13 grams
•  Fibre - 3 grams
• Sugar - 7 grams

Advantages of Dark Chocolate for Diabetes

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, which are antioxidant-rich chemicals. These antioxidants protect against tissue damage due to unstable atoms. They also aid in the effective utilisation of insulin by cells, decreasing insulin resistance. Some other advantages are-

• It provides antioxidant protection.
• It enhances blood circulation.
• It reduces blood pressure.
• It has a lowering effect on cholesterol.
• It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• It protects the skin from the sun.
• It improves the functioning of the brain.
• It helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Ways to Consume Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most popular choices when it comes to sweets. Here are a few ways to satisfy your craving.

Use only Small Servings of Dark Chocolate : It's essential to limit the serving to 20 - 28 grams so that you receive some of the advantages of dark chocolate and fulfil your sweet tooth without going overboard on calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates, or sugar.

Sprinkle Cacao Nibs on Yoghurt : This is a more compact approach to get the potential advantages of dark chocolate. Cacao nibs include roughly 10 g of carbohydrates in a 1 oz meal and 9g of blood-sugar-regulating fibre, and 4 g of protein, which can slow down digestion and help you feel satisfied for longer. Consider plain, nonfat Greek yoghurt, high in satisfying protein and gut-friendly bacteria known as probiotics, in making your snack or dessert especially diabetes-friendly.

Add Cocoa Powder to your Morning Shake : Only 1 to 2 tablespoons of natural cocoa per day may boost your heart health. Unsweetened cocoa powder has almost no sugar. Select artificially sweetened chocolate with care. If you want to indulge in chocolate but do not want to risk boosting your blood sugar, try a no-sugar-added hot cocoa mix.

How Frequently to Consume Dark Chocolate?

Sugar is usually present in dark chocolate, but it is usually modestly present, and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it has. 30 - 50g of dark chocolate each day is more than enough to get the health advantages. If you eat more than that, you risk gaining weight due to the fats and calories. Make sure you always check the food label for the amount of chocolate and sugar before consuming.

Risks of Overconsumption For Diabetes

• Because most dark chocolate candy bars include a blend of cocoa solids and cocoa butter, interpret the nutritional value. Read the label carefully to ensure that you're getting the most out of the potential benefits without eating more sugar or fat than you intended. The consumption of too much dark chocolate may lead to weight gain and high blood glucose levels.
• In addition, the darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it contains. Two ounces of 70% dark chocolate may contain 50 to 60 milligrammes of caffeine, nearly half the amount found in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. The caffeine in cocoa can cause increased urination, sleeplessness, a faster heartbeat, and anxiety.
• Compound chocolate can be challenging to digest for people with diabetes because it has vegetable oils such as palm and soy and is not made with cocoa butter.

Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate For Diabetes

• Cocoa may promote pancreatic cell regeneration and insulin production and have a hypoglycemic impact and increase glucose tolerance.
• Cocoa's vasodilatory properties can help increase insulin sensitivity via endothelial function. 
• Long-term cocoa consumption may have a more substantial impact on insulin resistance than single doses of cocoa products.
• It also has the potential health care benefit by lowering the risk of complications in persons with diabetes patients at the molecular level.

Bottomline

You do not have to give up chocolate if you have diabetes ultimately; enjoy it in moderation. There are different types of chocolate, and dark chocolate has health benefits other types of chocolate do not. So, can a person with diabetes eat dark chocolate? Well, yes. Make sure you are following a healthy lifestyle that includes nutrition and exercise. Your doctor can provide you with the best advice regarding including chocolate in your diet.

FAQs

1. Is Dark Chocolate Good For Diabetes?

Yes, it helps with diabetes and overall well-being. However, the benefits are only seen with moderate consumption. Indeed, surpassing the threshold limits has detrimental consequences.

2. How Much Dark Chocolate Can a Diabetic Eat Everyday?

A small amount of dark chocolate is acceptable for people who have diabetes. A serving containing 20 - 28 grams of dark chocolate each day can be consumed. This may help in satisfying your sweet tooth as well as having health benefits. 

3. Does Dark Chocolate Increase Blood Sugar?

A piece of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate may offer a number of health benefits, including lowering your blood pressure and heart disease risk. In addition, dark chocolate healthy ingredients may help you reduce diabetes risk.

4. Can you Eat Dark Chocolate if you Have Type 2 Diabetes?

Despite the truth that too much of a good thing may not be healthy, research suggests that dark chocolate in moderation may offer health benefits and could be safe for people with diabetes. There can be a variety of benefits, from improved insulin resistance to improved mood, sun protection and brain protection from inflammation.

5. Does Dark Chocolate Contain Sugar?

Dark chocolates normally have some sugar in them, but the levels are usually modest, and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it has. There are also diabetic-friendly dark chocolates sweetened with stevia and other sugar substitutes.