«Dark chocolate: a healthy alternative or myth? New research»
7 december 2024 в 23:13
Dark chocolate with a semi-bitter taste is often advertised as a healthier alternative to its sweet counterpart — milk chocolate. However, recent studies show that consuming it may not just be acceptable — it may even bring noticeable health benefits.
Find out which type of dark chocolate is considered the best, potential health benefits, and how much should be consumed to reap the benefits for yourself.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal on December 4 highlights the differences between dark and milk chocolate and their impact on health. The study, conducted by Harvard School of Public Health doctoral student Binkai Liu and funded by the National Institutes of Health, suggests that small choices, such as preferring dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can have a positive impact on health.
«Our results show that not all chocolate is equally beneficial», - said Liu. «For all chocolate lovers, this is a reminder that making small choices, such as choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can have a positive impact on their health».
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Tufts University «Food is Medicine» Institute, who was not involved in the study, also supports the idea of including dark chocolate in a healthy diet. He recommends choosing varieties with at least 70% cocoa content to maximize health benefits.
The study revealed a surprising contrast between the effects of dark and milk chocolate on the risk of developing diabetes and long-term weight management. Co-author and Harvard nutrition and epidemiology lecturer Qi Sun commented: «We were surprised by the clear difference in the impact of dark and milk chocolate on the risk of developing diabetes and long-term weight management».
In a 2023 study, Dr. Mozaffarian and his team found that poor diet could be responsible for about 70% of new cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide, which amounts to approximately 14 million cases annually.
Although dark and milk chocolate have similar calorie and saturated fat content, the polyphenols in dark chocolate can help counteract the negative effects of saturated fats and sugar on weight gain and diabetes, according to Dr. Mozaffarian. He and his colleagues suggest that the higher cocoa content in dark chocolate may be the key to its potential health benefits.
In the study, participants who consumed at least five servings of dark chocolate per week had a 21% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who did not consume dark chocolate. However, Liu advises consuming dark chocolate in moderation, as it can be calorie-dense and lead to weight gain with excessive consumption.
She suggests consuming approximately 1 ounce of dark chocolate several times a week as a good way to incorporate it into a healthy, balanced diet. However, Liu emphasizes that dark chocolate should not be seen as a «silver bullet» for health.
She highlights that overall dietary habits and lifestyle have a much greater impact on long-term health
Find out which type of dark chocolate is considered the best, potential health benefits, and how much should be consumed to reap the benefits for yourself.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal on December 4 highlights the differences between dark and milk chocolate and their impact on health. The study, conducted by Harvard School of Public Health doctoral student Binkai Liu and funded by the National Institutes of Health, suggests that small choices, such as preferring dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can have a positive impact on health.
«Our results show that not all chocolate is equally beneficial», - said Liu. «For all chocolate lovers, this is a reminder that making small choices, such as choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can have a positive impact on their health».
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Tufts University «Food is Medicine» Institute, who was not involved in the study, also supports the idea of including dark chocolate in a healthy diet. He recommends choosing varieties with at least 70% cocoa content to maximize health benefits.
The study revealed a surprising contrast between the effects of dark and milk chocolate on the risk of developing diabetes and long-term weight management. Co-author and Harvard nutrition and epidemiology lecturer Qi Sun commented: «We were surprised by the clear difference in the impact of dark and milk chocolate on the risk of developing diabetes and long-term weight management».
In a 2023 study, Dr. Mozaffarian and his team found that poor diet could be responsible for about 70% of new cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide, which amounts to approximately 14 million cases annually.
Although dark and milk chocolate have similar calorie and saturated fat content, the polyphenols in dark chocolate can help counteract the negative effects of saturated fats and sugar on weight gain and diabetes, according to Dr. Mozaffarian. He and his colleagues suggest that the higher cocoa content in dark chocolate may be the key to its potential health benefits.
In the study, participants who consumed at least five servings of dark chocolate per week had a 21% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who did not consume dark chocolate. However, Liu advises consuming dark chocolate in moderation, as it can be calorie-dense and lead to weight gain with excessive consumption.
She suggests consuming approximately 1 ounce of dark chocolate several times a week as a good way to incorporate it into a healthy, balanced diet. However, Liu emphasizes that dark chocolate should not be seen as a «silver bullet» for health.
She highlights that overall dietary habits and lifestyle have a much greater impact on long-term health
© Artemenko Olga
