Why eating dark chocolate could lower your diabetes risk

’Tis the season of tempting chocolate – in warming cups of cocoa, slices of Yule log, or by the box.

Now there’s a healthy reason to indulge in moderation – provided you choose dark, not milk chocolate.

A long-term US study published in The BMJ this month found that eating five servings of dark chocolate a week may curb the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

More than 500 million people worldwide live with type 2 diabetes, and with that number expected to rise to over 700 million by 2045, researchers are keen to find solutions.

The holiday season usually means lots of tempting chocolate. For your health’s sake, choose dark – A study shows five one-ounce servings a week could lower your risk of diabetes. Photo: Shutterstock

Chocolate contains high levels of flavonols, natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that are good for the heart and lower diabetes risk. Flavonols are abundant in red wine, apples, berries, other fruit, vegetables and tea.