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Does dark chocolate affect a1c?

Dark chocolate reduces cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease. A small piece of dark chocolate after meals will not affect blood glucose levels in diabetics.

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Chocolates are a universal favorite. Bitter dark chocolate with more cocoa also has a loyal fan following. If you’re one among them who wonders if dark chocolate is good for diabetes, you’ll be delighted to know a lot more. So, what makes dark chocolate good for diabetes? Does it control blood sugar? How much dark chocolate should a diabetic eat everyday? Let’s find out more!

Dark Chocolate: Nutritional Profile

Ways to Consume Dark Chocolate

How Frequently to Consume Dark Chocolate?

Dark Chocolate: Risks of Overconsumption For Diabetes

Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate For Diabetes

FAQs

Dark Chocolate: Nutritional Profile

Contents:

The glycemic index (GI) of dark chocolate is 23, which is very low compared to milk chocolate’s GI of 42. This scientifically makes dark chocolate good for diabetes.

50 grams of dark chocolate contains the following:

Calories: 252 Total Fat: 17.1 g Saturated Fat: 10.04 g Trans Fat: 0.495 g Monounsaturated Fat: 5.61 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 8 mg Total Carbohydrate: 29.8 g Dietary Fiber: 2.8 g Sugars: 25.74 g Protein1.95 g Calcium: 12 mg Iron: 1.38 mg Potassium: 145 mg Vitamin A: 0 mcg Vitamin C: 0 mg Milk chocolate is largely made of milk solids and sugar. On the other hand, dark chocolate contains 70-85% cocoa, which makes them heart-healthy. So, when eaten wisely, dark chocolate is health-friendly. You may be surprised to know that this same bar will have over 10 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. Apart from iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, it also has vitamins A, E, and K and B-vitamins. These nutrients make dark chocolate a rich source of antioxidants. Dark chocolate has polyphenols, which are compounds with great antioxidant properties. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms). They also help cells use insulin more efficiently, thus lowering insulin resistance.

Loaded with antioxidants

Improves blood flow

Lowers blood pressure

Reduces cholesterol levels

Reduces risks of heart disease

Protects skin from sun

Improves brain function.

Controls blood sugar

Together, polyphenols and flavonoids boost effective production and usage of insulin, regulating blood sugar levels.

Ways to Consume Dark Chocolate

Diabetics can eat a small piece of dark chocolate as a post-meal dessert twice daily (post lunch & dinner).

Always choose a bitter variety that contains 70-85% cocoa.

The carbohydrate content indicates how much sugar is present. Keep it to 15-30g for one serving.

Grated dark chocolate tastes great over oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies.

How Frequently to Consume Dark Chocolate?

With dark chocolate, moderation is key. A small piece (20-30 grams) of dark chocolate for diabetes is permissible. Big and small brands alike sell specially-made diabetic chocolate today. Check the food label for cocoa and sugar content.

Dark Chocolate: Risks of Overconsumption For Diabetes

Excessive consumption of dark chocolate can cause a spike in blood glucose levels and weight gain. Cocoa also contains caffeine, which may cause excess urination, sleeplessness, faster heartbeat, and nervousness. Do not consume compound chocolate as it contains vegetable oil like palm and soy, and not cocoa butter, making it difficult to digest for diabetics.

Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate For Diabetes

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Is it easier to pee sitting down with an enlarged prostate?

Sitting associated with significantly lower post-void residual volume. Men with urination problems as a result of enlarged prostate may be better off sitting rather than standing to urinate, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis.

Men with urination problems as a result of enlarged prostate may be better off sitting rather than standing to urinate, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis. Ype de Jong, MD, and colleagues at Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands, analyzed data from 11 studies that included healthy men and those with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Among men with LUTS, a sitting position during urination was associated with a significantly lower post-void residual volume (PVR) compared with standing, the researchers reported in PLoS One (2014;9:e101320). Maximum urinary flow rate was increased and voiding time was decreased in the sitting position compared with standing, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among healthy men, urination position had no significant effect on urodynamic parameters. “In patients with LUTS, an improved urodynamic profile approaching the effect of alpha-blockers is found in the sitting position,” the authors concluded. “Incorporating the positive effect of this voiding position in the management of LUTS could have a synergistic effect on improvement of urodynamics in this group of patients.”

From the October 01, 2014 Issue of Renal and Urology News

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