Reduce your diabetes risk with this delicious snack! Can you guess what it is?
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If you're looking for simple ways to boost your health and reduce your risk of certain conditions, the answer might be hiding in your snack drawer.
What if I told you that enjoying a certain treat could be the key to better health?
Keep reading to discover what it is and how it might just be your new go-to for a healthier lifestyle.
The potential benefits of eating dark chocolate in relation to type 2 diabetes risk have been highlighted in a recent study, though experts stress that the relationship remains ‘controversial’.
Researchers pointed out that most previous studies had not differentiated between the types of chocolate consumed, despite varying levels of cocoa, sugar, and milk potentially influencing diabetes risk.
The study in question analysed data from three long-term studies conducted in the US, which focused on nurses and healthcare workers.
Researchers looked at food frequency questionnaires completed every four years, focusing on the link between type 2 diabetes and chocolate consumption across a large group of 192,028 participants
The analysis also examined the impact of different types of chocolate—specifically dark and milk—on diabetes risk, with data from 111,654 participants.
Over an average monitoring period of 25 years, 18,862 participants in the total chocolate intake group were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body fails to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Findings revealed that those who consumed one ounce (28.3 grams) of dark chocolate at least five times a week had a 21% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never ate it.
In contrast, while the overall group with higher chocolate consumption showed a 10% reduction in risk, only the dark chocolate intake was linked to significant benefits.
The study noted that increased milk chocolate consumption was connected to long-term weight gain but did not show the same protective effect.
Published in the BMJ, the study’s authors advised that further research was needed to verify these findings.
Diabetes UK reported that around 4.4 million people in the UK were living with diabetes as of recent years, with an additional 1.2 million likely having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Alarmingly, the number of people under 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK increased by 39% over six years, largely driven by rising obesity rates and the availability of cheap, unhealthy food.
Britain currently has one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, with two-thirds of adults classified as overweight or obese.
The NHS is expected to spend £6bn annually on treating obesity-related health issues, a cost projected to rise to £10bn by 2050.
Globally, as of 2022, approximately 830 million people were reported to have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.
Incorporating small, enjoyable changes into your routine can make a big difference for your health. What’s your favourite way to indulge in a treat while keeping things healthy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
What if I told you that enjoying a certain treat could be the key to better health?
Keep reading to discover what it is and how it might just be your new go-to for a healthier lifestyle.
The potential benefits of eating dark chocolate in relation to type 2 diabetes risk have been highlighted in a recent study, though experts stress that the relationship remains ‘controversial’.
Researchers pointed out that most previous studies had not differentiated between the types of chocolate consumed, despite varying levels of cocoa, sugar, and milk potentially influencing diabetes risk.
The study in question analysed data from three long-term studies conducted in the US, which focused on nurses and healthcare workers.
Researchers looked at food frequency questionnaires completed every four years, focusing on the link between type 2 diabetes and chocolate consumption across a large group of 192,028 participants
The analysis also examined the impact of different types of chocolate—specifically dark and milk—on diabetes risk, with data from 111,654 participants.
Over an average monitoring period of 25 years, 18,862 participants in the total chocolate intake group were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body fails to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Findings revealed that those who consumed one ounce (28.3 grams) of dark chocolate at least five times a week had a 21% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never ate it.
In contrast, while the overall group with higher chocolate consumption showed a 10% reduction in risk, only the dark chocolate intake was linked to significant benefits.
The study noted that increased milk chocolate consumption was connected to long-term weight gain but did not show the same protective effect.
Published in the BMJ, the study’s authors advised that further research was needed to verify these findings.
Diabetes UK reported that around 4.4 million people in the UK were living with diabetes as of recent years, with an additional 1.2 million likely having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Alarmingly, the number of people under 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK increased by 39% over six years, largely driven by rising obesity rates and the availability of cheap, unhealthy food.
Britain currently has one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, with two-thirds of adults classified as overweight or obese.
The NHS is expected to spend £6bn annually on treating obesity-related health issues, a cost projected to rise to £10bn by 2050.
Globally, as of 2022, approximately 830 million people were reported to have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.
Incorporating small, enjoyable changes into your routine can make a big difference for your health. What’s your favourite way to indulge in a treat while keeping things healthy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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