The flavonoids (which are antioxidants) found in chocolate, tea, wine and certain fruits, are recognized as blood sugar level regulators. This is what a new study shows in Great Britain.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is caused by insulin resistance. What this means is that your body is unable to use the insulin correctly, leading to deviations in blood sugar levels.
The team of scientists has discovered that increased intake of the above-mentioned products reduces insulin resistance and regulate the levels of glucose in the blood.
The results are based on a study that included 1997 volunteers - women between the ages of 18 - 76. They all had to fill out a questionnaire regarding the foods they consumed daily. The researchers analyzed the data, evaluating the total amount of flavonoids taken with the food of each participant.
It became evident that women who consumed foods rich in antioxidants (flavonoids) and anthocyanins (pigments of the color spectrum red-blue-black, found in certain fruits and vegetables) - fruits, herbs, red grapes, chocolate, wine, showed a lower insulin resistance.
And those who consumed the most anthocyanins were the least likely to develop chronic inflammation, often linked with conditions of diabetes, obesity, malignancies, as well as cardiovascular problems.
It was also found that there were improved levels of a particular protein - adiponectin, which is thought to be a glucose regulator.
The experts recommend eating dark chocolate, which contains more cocoa, and therefore higher quantities of antioxidants. Ultimately, it's clear that the consumption of 50 mg of flavonoids decreases blood pressure, improves blood flow and helps support the cardiovascular system.
And if your daily menu includes dark chocolate, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, these will prevent numerous diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
