Lucky for your sweetheart, picking up a box of chocolate is a win-win situation.
Just make sure it’s dark. Better yet, get the dark chocolate covered berries.
According to recent research from the University of East Anglia and King’s College London, high intakes of anthocyanins (and other compounds) can offer protection from type 2 diabetes.
The study used 2,000 people and found that inflammation was lowered and subsequently chronic inflammation conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The research focused on flavonoids found in herbs and vegetables, especially thyme, parsley, and celery. Anthocyanins such as berries, red grapes, and wine were used.
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| Source for Image: http://www.chocablog.com |
Professor Aedin Cassidy from University of East Anglia reported, “"This is one of the first large-scale human studies to look at how these powerful bioactive compounds might reduce the risk of diabetes. Laboratory studies have shown these types of foods might modulate blood glucose regulation -- affecting the risk of type 2 diabetes. But until now little has been know about how habitual intakes might affect insulin resistance, blood glucose regulation and inflammation in humans."
Jennings A, Welch AA, Spector T, Macgregor A, and Cassidy A. Intakes of Anthocyanins and Flavones Are Associated with Biomarkers of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Women. Journal of Nutrition, January 2014
Gina Lesako RD, LD is the SCAN blog coordinator (those interested in writing for SCAN can email her directly at glesako@gmail.com, resolve to increase your online exposure).
She can also be found blogging at http://dietitianseatchocolatetoo.blogspot.com/). Find her on SCAN: http://www.scandpg.org/dietitians/15720/
