Dark chocolate contains cocoa which is rich in antioxidant flavonoids that fight against free radical damage in the body. By doing so, it improves insulin secretion which ultimately causes a drop in glucose levels. This might relieve those with a sweet tooth, as it does not raise their blood sugar level, but increased intake can cause an abnormal drop in glucose levels, causing hypoglcaemia.
Optimising Dark Chocolate for Glucose Metabolism
• Try pairing it with a fruit or fresh dates if the blood sugar levels drop too low.
• Consider having a small portion of chocolate at a time.
• Try using it as a topping on plain yoghurt, to prevent the drop in glucose levels.
• Consider treating yourself to 70-90% dark chocolate with zero artificial sweeteners.
Cacao is called a ‘Super fruit’ due to its antioxidant capacity, which is greater than berries. Moreover, flavonoids present in dark chocolate can increase insulin sensitivity, which means that the body is better able to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, dark chocolate also contains fibre, which can slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.
