Regular consumption of chocolate and red wine can stave off diabetes, contrary to the common misconception that it can actually lead to certain type of illnesses, a recent study finds.
Chocolate and red wine has been found to contain high levels of antioxidants that can help regulate blood glucose levels and as a result can help guard against diabetes. The study found for the first time ever that the high content of flavonoids found in berry fruits may regulate blood glucose levels and stave off type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in plants, tea, red wine and chocolate and can protect against a wide range of diseases including heart disease, hypertension, some cancers and dementia.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and King's College London revealed that high intakes are linked with lower insulin resistance and better blood glucose regulation. They also helped lower instances of inflammation which when chronic may lead to disease. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition. Lead study author, Professor Aedin Cassidy from UAE's Norwich Medical School said: "We focused on flavones, which are found in herbs and vegetables such as parsley, thyme and celery and anthocyanins found in berries, red grapes, wine and other red or blue-colored fruits and vegetables."
"This is one of the first large-scale human studies to look at how these powerful bioactive compounds might reduce the risk of diabetes. Laboratory studies have shown these types of foods might modulate blood glucose regulation - affecting the risk of type 2 diabetes. But until now little has been known about how habitual intakes might affect insulin resistance, blood glucose regulation and inflammation in humans."
