Occasional Chocolate May Support Diabetes Management Chocolate
raises good cholesterol People with type 2 diabetes are
typically told to avoid sweets, but research has shown that
certain chocolate rich in cocoa solids and polyphenols (plant
compounds that have health benefits) may affect blood sugar less
than certain other foods such as potatoes or bread. This study
looked at whether or not eating chocolate could help raise HDL
cholesterol levels—another goal in preventing heart disease. In
this small study, 12 people with type 2 diabetes were randomly
assigned to receive 45 grams of high-polyphenol chocolate
(containing 85% cocoa solids) or low-polyphenol chocolate
containing cocoa butter alone (containing no nonfat cocoa
solids) once a day for 8 weeks. Participants continued their
usual diabetes, high blood pressure, and lipid-lowering
medications. Results showed that people who ate the high-
polyphenol chocolate had a significant increase in HDL
cholesterol, and no significant change in weight or blood suga