The Diabetic Diet: Dark Chocolate

Yes! Dark chocolate has surprising health benefits as part of a diabetic diet

Now, I know you may be thinking that sugar-laden chocolate is the last thing people with diabetes should be eating. But, while it’s true that chocolate has fat and calories, the health benefits of dark chocolate cannot be denied.

Surprisingly, Italian researchers discovered that dark chocolate significantly improved markers of insulin sensitivity, decreasing fasting insulin and glucose levels, as well as insulin and glucose responses to the glucose tolerance test.

High-quality dark chocolate is sold in health food, specialty, and grocery stores. Look for bars that contain 70 percent cocoa or more. Don’t be put off by the fat content, and expect it to have some sugar. Unsweetened dark chocolate is extremely bitter and, even sweetened, it is for some an acquired taste, so shop around for a brand you like.

Most of all, eat it in moderation. A square or two of dark chocolate every other day or so is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and is fine to include in a diabetic diet. To keep caloric intake steady, eat it in place of, rather than in addition to, other foods or snacks.

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Diabetes

• How to plan a diabetic diet
• Saturated fats, trans fats, and the diabetic diet
• Sugars and starches: What’s allowed on a diabetic diet
• What sweeteners can be part of a diabetic diet?