CONSUMING dark chocolate may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. However, the same benefits were not observed with milk chocolate.
The study has highlighted the potential health advantages of dark chocolate. “Our findings suggest that not all chocolate is created equal,” the authors stated. “For anyone who loves chocolate, this is a reminder that making small choices, like choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can make a positive difference to their health.”
The study builds on existing but inconsistent research linking chocolate consumption with T2D, focusing on the distinction between dark and milk chocolate. Researchers analysed over 30 years of data from the Nurses’ Health Studies I and II and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. This involved tracking the diets, chocolate consumption, diabetes diagnoses, and body weights of 192,000 adults who were initially free of diabetes.
By the end of the study, nearly 19,000 participants had developed T2D. Among the 112,000 who specifically reported their dark and milk chocolate intake, close to 5,000 were diagnosed with the condition.
The findings revealed that participants consuming at least five ounces of any chocolate weekly had a 10% lower T2D risk compared to those who rarely consumed chocolate. Notably, dark chocolate provided the most significant benefit: individuals who consumed at least five servings per week had a 21% lower risk of T2D. The study also identified a 3% reduction in risk for every additional serving of dark chocolate consumed weekly. Conversely, milk chocolate showed no protective effect and was associated with long-term weight gain, a known risk factor for T2D.
The team commented, “we were surprised by the clear split between dark and milk chocolate’s impact on diabetes risk and long-term weight management. While both types of chocolate have similar calorie and fat content, dark chocolate’s rich polyphenols may counteract the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and diabetes.”
The researchers caution that their findings may not apply to individuals with very high levels of chocolate consumption and suggest further exploration into the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Reference
Liu B et al. Chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: prospective cohort studies. BMJ. 2024;387:e078386.
