A study by clinicians at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has indicated that chocolate may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
It has long been suggested that chocolate can both be good and bad for health. Chocolate contains a complex mixture of chemicals called polyphenols that have been reported to reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease, cancer and stroke.
However, because of the concern that chocolate may affect blood sugar and lead to weight gain, people with diabetes have been advised not to eat it.
Professor Steve Atkin, who supervised the study is a Consultant Endocrinologist at the
Trust, said:
“These are the first trials that have given people with diabetes chocolate to see if it is good or bad for them. We have shown that dark chocolate can be good and if eaten sensibly can potentially have health improving effects.”
Duane Mellor, the research dietitian who undertook the study said:
“We know that many people prefer milk chocolate, so we are starting a trial looking at the health effects of milk chocolate compared to dark chocolate. We have a large amount of chocolate here and are looking for volunteers with diabetes who are willing to help eat it, and take part in our study.”
Anyone who has type 2 diabetes and who would like to take part in the study should contact Professor Steve Atkin’s research team (Duane or Anneli) at Hull Royal Infirmary on 675387 or 675329.