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What if your favorite dessert could also help you fight diabetes, shed unwanted pounds, and improve your health?
It sounds too good to be true, but groundbreaking research suggests this sweet favorite contains powerful polyphenols that activate natural pathways in your body to control blood sugar and curb appetite.
Could this delicious treat rival the effects of popular diabetes drugs without the unpleasant side effects? The answer might surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- Polyphenols in dark chocolate activate Type-2 taste receptors (TR2) to help balance blood sugar and control appetite.
- Dark chocolate stimulates GLP-1 hormone release, mimicking the effects of diabetes drugs without their unpleasant side effects.
- Consuming dark chocolate and other polyphenol-rich foods could offer a safer, natural alternative to GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
Reverse Diabetes with Dessert? The Sweet Truth About Dark Chocolate
There’s no way around it…
The more sweets and treats you enjoy… the more likely you will have blood sugar issues.
That’s because most desserts – like cookies, cakes, and candies—are full of added sugar that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. But research shows dark chocolate is one exception…
In fact, some researchers even think it could even rival GLP-1 medications in the future!
Dark Chocolate Activates Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
Cocoa – the main ingredient in dark chocolate – contains unique molecules called polyphenols. These tiny antioxidants can work against diabetes by helping reduce cell damage from aging, injury, or toxins like table sugar.
Research shows these polyphenols can improve circulation and muscle health.Other studies have shown that cocoa polyphenols can improve your visual processing of information, while other studies reveal how cocoa polyphenols can sharpen your memory.
Even better? New research shows it can help activate Type-2 taste receptors (TR2). These receptors detect bitter flavors and are found on the tongue, stomach, and intestines.
Now, we know they can help you fight diabetes and obesity, too.
The new study shows that polyphenols – like the ones in dark chocolate – help activate TR2 in the gastrointestinal tract and promote the production of specific hormones that help balance blood sugar and control appetite.
Specifically, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the hormone diabetes, and weight loss medications like semaglutide and trizepidite are modeled after.
A Natural Alternative to GLP-1 Drugs?
Chances are you’ve heard a lot about these drugs.
It seems like everyone you know, from your neighbor to your endocrinologist, has something to say about these medications being the best thing for diabetes and obesity. But what you may not hear is that they can also cause miserable side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Luckily, increasing your intake of polyphenols doesn’t have the same effect, according to Naomi Osakabe, a lead researcher for the study:
“GLP-1 receptor agonists are absorbed and act on GLP-1 receptors in target organs and cause unintended gastrointestinal disturbances and adverse effects on blood glucose. Similarly, an essential characteristic of polyphenols that stimulate GLP-1 secretion is that they are virtually absent in the blood and have been shown to cause few side effects. We believe that the intake of polyphenols, which are safer and show similar effects, is preferable. Given the above, there is potential to replace current GLP-1-targeted drugs.”
This means healthy foods – like dark chocolate – could be the best alternative to taking these mainstream drugs! Wow! Just imagine being able to eat your favorite dessert while losing weight and lowering your blood sugar simultaneously!
Where to Start with Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is the stuff of dreams. This decadent, rich treat is among my favorite desserts.
It tastes great with berries… a glass of red wine… or just on its own.
Dark chocolate is available at your local grocery store. The higher the cocoa content, the more polyphenols the bar contains. I usually go for at least 60% cocoa varieties to get the most bang for my buck.
You can also increase your intake of cocoa polyphenols by consuming cacao powder in smoothies or juices, taking concentrated cocoa polyphenol extract supplements in capsule or chewable form, or consuming cocoa nibs (cacao nibs). These nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans that have been dried and fermented. These nibs are the purest, most natural form of chocolate before any processing, like roasting, grinding, or adding sugar and milk, takes place.
Other foods that contain high levels of polyphenols include berries, nuts, and leafy greens1.
Summary
Dark chocolate, rich in polyphenols, has been found to promote weight loss and improve blood sugar control by activating Type 2 taste receptors (TR2) in the gut. These receptors stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone mimicked by popular diabetes medications. Unlike these drugs, dark chocolate offers similar benefits without significant side effects. Researchers suggest that polyphenol-rich foods like dark chocolate could serve as a natural, effective alternative to GLP-1 medications, providing a delicious way to manage diabetes and obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does dark chocolate help with diabetes?
Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that activate receptors in the gut, promoting blood sugar control and appetite regulation.
What is GLP-1, and why is it important?
GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Diabetes medications mimic its effects, but dark chocolate can stimulate GLP-1 naturally.
Is all dark chocolate effective?
Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 60% or higher contains the highest levels of beneficial polyphenols.
Can dark chocolate replace diabetes medications?
While more research is needed, dark chocolate may complement or serve as a natural alternative to some GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Are there other polyphenol-rich foods?
Yes, foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens also contain high levels of polyphenols.
1 Naomi Osakabe, Makoto Ohmoto, Takafumi Shimizu, Naoki Iida, Taiki Fushimi, Yasuyuki Fujii, Keiko Abe, Vittorio Calabrese, Gastrointestinal hormone-mediated beneficial bioactivities of bitter polyphenols, Food Bioscience, Volume.
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