Studies show that flavonoids in chocolate reduce insulin resistance, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting blood glucose levels, and make cravings less intense. Some chocolate is better than others.
Study participants who ate dark chocolate reported feeling less tempted to consume sweet, salty or fatty foods than those who ate milk chocolate, which contains fewer beneficial flavonoids (and often more sugar and fat).
In addition, dark chocolate reduced the amount of pizza consumed by volunteers by 15 percent later in the same day.
In addition, chocolate’s flavonoids are also associated with lower stroke risk, a calmer blood pressure, and an overall 2 percent reduction in myocardial infarction risk.
It is also believed that dark chocolate boosts cognitive performance.
1: Broccoli
Broccoli is a superhero who fights diabetes.
It also contains a compound called sulforaphane, which is found in other cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and cauliflower. Sulforaphane triggers several anti-inflammatory pathways that improve blood sugar control and protect blood vessels from damage caused by diabetes.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease, so this protection could save their lives.
By coaxing enzymes to turn dangerous cancer-causing chemicals into harmless compounds that the body can easily release, sulforaphane also helps the body’s natural detox mechanisms operate more effectively.
The best way to maintain optimal health is to consume lots of vegetables in your diet.
