According To Research, Black Chocolate Consumption Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Illustration of research on black chocolate consumption lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes (Freepic/lookstudio)

YOGYAKARTA Many studies have proven that eating black chocolate has health benefits. As long as in an appropriate way and a quality product choice, black chocolate consumption is associated with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Observational studies published in the research institute for treatment of The BMJ at the end of 2024 show that black chocolate, which is not milk chocolate, can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Participants who took part in the study, consumed five servings of black chocolate or more each week. The results show 21 percent lower for type 2 diabetes. The researchers also found that milk chocolate is associated with excessive long-term weight gain and has a type 2 diabetes risk factor.

"Our findings show that not all chocolate is made the same," said lead author of the study, a doctoral student at the Department of Nutrition at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Binkai Liu.

As a recommendation for those of you who like chocolate, it is recommended to make a small choice. Choose black chocolate instead of milk chocolate because it can provide a positive difference for health.

Other research conducted by researchers from Harvard comes from data of 192,000 adults. Nursing Health Study I and II and this Advanced Health Professional Study, reported participant diabetes status, weight, and eating habits including chocolate consumption over a period of 30 years. All subjects did not suffer from diabetes at the start of the study.

At the end of the study, nearly 19,000 people were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Of the nearly 112,000 people who reported eating chocolate, 5,000 people experienced this condition. Compared to the subject who rarely consumes chocolate, those who consume at least 5 ounces of chocolate per week have a 10% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Those who consume black chocolate experience the biggest decrease in risk. For each portion of black chocolate consumed every week, there is a decrease in the risk of 3% developing type 2 diabetes. Overall, those who consume black chocolate have a 21% lower risk of being exposed to these conditions.

"We are very surprised by the striking differences in the impact of dark chocolate and milk chocolate on the risk of diabetes and long-term weight management," Binkai said.

That means that consumption of black chocolate with a limited portion has health benefits instead of consuming chocolate milk, especially helping reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes according to the above study. Although it has the same level of saturated fat energy, black chocolate offers the protective effect of its polyphenol content.