Since the sixteenth century, chocolate has been prepared and gradually evolved to become one of the most popular types of sweets for many families in Europe, as well as being added as a flavor to various foods such as cakes, desserts, ice cream, biscuits, and more. According to a publication by Boldsky, over time, it has become clear that chocolate is not just an added flavor but a nutritious and healthy beneficial ingredient. The health importance of chocolate is due to its high content of flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects that help in preventing diabetes. Since it's known that dietary changes can significantly affect the progression or deterioration of diabetes, consuming antioxidant-rich foods can greatly reduce its harms.
#### Amazing Ingredients
Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains about 33% oleic acid, 33% stearic acid, and 25% palmitic acid, along with being rich in multiple flavonoids. Cocoa also has some vital minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, copper, and phosphorus, as well as vitamins like B1, B2, and B3, along with nitrogenous compounds such as proteins, caffeine, and theobromine. The abundance of polyphenols, which are aromatic organic compounds found in cocoa beans, highlights their bitterness. Although many chocolate manufacturers have developed techniques to eliminate the bitter taste of cocoa, there is a risk of reducing polyphenol content. Moreover, adding ingredients like sugar and emulsifiers to chocolate makes it unhealthy. Therefore, dark chocolate, despite having a slightly bitter taste, offers extensive benefits compared to other types like milk chocolate since dark chocolate contains high amounts of raw cocoa, meaning it has the highest percentage of phenolic compounds.
#### Positive Benefits
Since chocolate is rich in fiber, minerals, flavonoids, and polyphenols, it can be a good dietary component for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. One study noted that chocolate, especially the dark variety, plays an important role in reducing inflammatory markers in the body, which are considered one of the main causes of diabetes and the risk of heart disease in diabetics.
#### Negative Effects
Although chocolate with more cocoa and less sugar is considered good for people with diabetes, excessive consumption of chocolate can cause some harmful effects such as:
1. Weight gain
2. Constipation
3. Insomnia
4. Nervousness
#### Moderate Amounts
Although chocolate is a healthy choice for diabetics, its intake should be limited to a few squares to reduce the amount of added sugar. Diabetics who are overweight should avoid consuming chocolate. In any case, a diabetic patient should consult a doctor regarding the contents of their diet in general and include chocolate in accordance with the quantities determined by nutrition specialists.
