During this time of the year, more people are munching on chocolate these days. Whether it’s milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate, the tasty treat has always been an American favorite. But do you know that only one of these types of chocolate is considered the most nutritional? It’s even nutritional enough for diabetics due to its high cocoa content. This is none other than dark chocolate. Let’s learn all about its benefits, which type of dark chocolate is best for diabetics, and how much is feasible to eat per day.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Diabetes
There are a lot of benefits to be said about dark chocolate and its nutritional value. For one, dark chocolate contains the highest concentration of cocoa beans than any other chocolate. Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC, Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and wellness nutrition mentions that the higher the amount of cocoa beans in a chocolate, the more benefits it has. “The cocoa beans themselves provide nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and zinc,” she says.
However, most of the benefits of dark chocolate for those dealing with diabetes come from a compound that’s part of the polyphenol family called flavonoids. These compounds are typically found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids work against diabetes in that they may help improve insulin sensitivity, helping to control blood sugar. Research in a study presented by ARYA Atherosclerosis also shows that consuming dark chocolate could help lower your blood pressure and fasting blood sugar.
Which Dark Chocolate is Best for Diabetics?
There are several low-calorie dark chocolate that are good for diabetics. When some people think of chocolate, they usually assume this sweet treat is not suitable for people diagnosed with this condition. But when choosing a dark chocolate, it’s important to choose one with the highest percentage of cocoa. Polyphenol-rich dark chocolate contains antioxidants that could be suitable for diabetics. Preferably look for dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. Be sure to read the labels for carb content to adjust your insulin levels. It’s also recommended to see about choosing a dark chocolate that hasn’t been processed as well.
What is the Best Chocolate for Type 2 Diabetics?
For those suffering from Type 2 diabetes, dark chocolate is a far better option than consuming milk chocolate. This is because milk chocolate is usually high in saturated fat and sugar. Dark chocolate is considered better because it has lower amounts of sugar per 100g. It also has an intense flavor, making it easier for people to be satisfied with it in smaller amounts. As the cocoa percentage goes up, normally the sugar intake decreases, making dark chocolate a safer option even for Type 2 diabetics.
How Much Dark Chocolate Can a Diabetic Eat Per Day?
While dark chocolate is considered a healthy enough treat for diabetics to eat, it’s also important to monitor how often you eat it. Just like with any type of food, many nutritional experts recommend eating it in moderation. Pelitera is one expert who recommends doing this same thing. She even would throw in some other healthy snacks along with it. “A small square of dark chocolate (about 2 tablespoons) paired with another nutritional powerhouse such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds make for an excellent, blood sugar friendly after-dinner treat,” she says.
Yes, dark chocolate is a delectable treat that’s great to munch on occasionally, even when you’re dealing with diabetes. Just as long as you eat in moderation, you’ll be thoroughly satisfied by its rich taste and nutritional value. What’s your favorite dark chocolate brand? How often do you like to eat it? Feel free to leave your comments about the rich, cocoa-filled treat in the section box below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next dark chocolate lover you know. For more information about Pelitera and her work as a registered dietitian, visit her page on the Top Nutrition Coaching website at https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/nutritionists/courtney-pelitera.
