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How much dark chocolate is OK for diabetics?

Yes dark chocolate is good for diabetes as it contains powerful antioxidants and very low amounts of sugar. These factors help balance blood glucose. How Much Dark Chocolate Can a Diabetic Eat Everyday? A diabetic can eat 20–30 grams of dark chocolate per day.

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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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Do bananas lower your blood pressure?

Potassium reduces the effect of sodium on the body. Hence, eating bananas lower blood pressure due to their high potassium content. You can try eating 2 bananas per day for one week which may reduce your blood pressure by 10%*.

High blood pressure is a condition where the strain of flowing blood against the arteries is higher than the delicate blood vessels can bear. This can happen due to many reasons including, poor diet, fast-paced life and stress. One of the main causes of high blood pressure is the high level of sodium in the body. This causes an imbalance in the water levels of the body due to which kidneys cannot flush out excess water. In this scenario, the kidneys start working harder to flush out water, putting a lot of pressure on blood vessels. Potassium reduces the effect of sodium on the body. Hence, eating bananas lower blood pressure due to their high potassium content. You can try eating 2 bananas per day for one week which may reduce your blood pressure by 10%*. You should not eat bananas for dinner as they may not digest properly at night. Eating bananas for high blood pressure may not be recommended to you if you have other chronic health issues or medical conditions with BP. Banana is good for high blood pressure because it has high potassium content which may not be good for conditions like kidney stones. Consult your doctor before adding bananas to your diet. Head over to our articles on diet and fitness to browse topics like Indian recipes for blood pressure and acupressure for hypertension.

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