There is no lack of people around us who like to eat chocolate, but they sometimes worry about eating too much chocolate is not healthy, the left is healthy, the right is happy, really very difficult.
“Effect of Cacao polyphenole-Rich chocolate on Postprandial glycemia, insulin, May help us solve this difficulty, the dawn of happiness!!
The research methods
The researchers recruited 48 healthy Japanese volunteers (27 men and 21 women). They were randomly divided into two groups: group W (subjects drank 150 mL water within 5 minutes and received 50 g sugar OGTT 15 minutes later); Group C (subjects received 25 g cocoa polyphenols rich chocolate plus 150 mL water within 5 minutes, followed by 50 g sugar OGTT 15 minutes later).
Glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (glp-1) levels were measured at -15 (15 min before OGTT), 0,30,60,120, and 180 min.
The results of the study
The blood glucose level of group C was significantly higher than that of group W at 0 min, but significantly lower than that of group W at 120 min. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in blood glucose AUC (-15 ~ 180 min). The serum insulin concentration of 0, 30 and 60 min in group C was significantly higher than that in group W, and the insulin AUC of -15 to 180 min in group C was significantly higher than that in group W.
Serum free fatty acid concentration in group C was significantly lower than that in group W at 30 min, and significantly higher than that in group W at 120 and 180 min. At 180 min, blood glucagon concentration in group C was significantly higher than that in group W. At each time point, plasma GLP-1 concentration in group C was significantly higher than that in group W.
The research conclusion
Chocolate rich in cocoa polyphenols can reduce the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This effect is related to the early secretion of insulin and GLP-1.
Chocolate is an ancient food, the main raw materials are cocoa pulp and cocoa butter. Originally it was only eaten by adult men, especially rulers, priests and warriors, and was considered a precious and exclusive noble food, but now it has become a favorite dessert of people all over the world. Recent years have seen a flurry of research into chocolate and human health.
According to its composition, according to the NATIONAL standard Chocolate can be divided into Dark Chocolate (Dark Chocolate or pure Chocolate) — total cocoa solid ≥ 30%; Milk Chocolate – total cocoa solids ≥ 25% and total Milk solids ≥ 12%; White Chocolate — cocoa butter ≥ 20% and total milk solids ≥ 14% Different types of chocolate have different effects on people’s health.
As we found in the literature above, chocolate rich in cocoa polyphenols (dark chocolate) can reduce the rise in blood sugar after a meal, “Short-term Administration of Dark Chocolate is followed by a Significant Increase in 2005,” wrote Am J Clin Nutr Dark chocolate showed a decrease in blood pressure and insulin sensitivity in healthy persons, but white chocolate did not. So the health benefits of chocolate are related to the cocoa content.
Dark chocolate you didn’t know about
▪ In addition to its endocrine and metabolic benefits, some studies suggest that dark chocolate may have some protective effects on other organs as well. Dark chocolate can increase endothelial nitric oxide (NO), improve endothelial function, promote vasodilation, inhibit platelet activation, and play a protective role in cardiovascular.
▪ Dark chocolate acts as an antidepressant by stimulating the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, so it can provide psychological comfort and produce feelings of euphoria. Animal studies have shown that dark chocolate boosts angiogenesis and motor coordination in the hippocampus.
▪ Dark chocolate phenols regulate the intestinal flora by promoting the colonization of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. They also improve intestinal integrity and inhibit inflammation.
▪ Dark chocolate has a protective effect on the kidneys through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stress, improved endothelial function and more.
Well, if you’re hungry after learning so much, you can replenish your energy with a bar of dark chocolate.
Post time: Apr-01-2022