Blood Pressure Is Reduced and Insulin Sensitivity Increased in Glucose-Intolerant, Hypertensive Subjects after 15 Days of Consuming High-Polyphenol Dark Chocolate13

Grassi, Davide; Desideri, Giovambattista; Necozione, Stefano; Lippi, Cristina; Casale, R; Properzi, Giuliana; Blumberg, Jeffrey B.; Ferri, Claudio

doi:10.1093/jn/138.9.1671

Cited by 428 publications

(444 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…These results were replicated in healthy individuals as well as in hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance [23]. In the former study, subjects received oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) after consuming either dark chocolate or white chocolate for 15 days.…”

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…In this population, ingestion of a more traditional amount of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate for 15 days was associated with improved endothelial function and improved insulin sensitivity in hypertensive, urbanized Kuna [22,23]. These results were replicated in healthy individuals as well as in hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance [23].…”

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Compared with white chocolate, ingestion of dark chocolate was associated with lower quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index values and higher homeostasis model insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values [22]. In the latter study, hypertensive, glucose-intolerant subjects also received OGTT after 15 days of daily consumption of either flavanol-rich dark chocolate or white chocolate [23]. Therefore, dark chocolate increased β-cell function, increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased HOMA-IR, compared to white chocolate.…”

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, results from several small studies indicate that cocoa may also have therapeutic potential in preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. In one such study, flavanol-rich cocoa consumption three times daily for 30 days increased flow-mediated dilatation by 30% in medicated diabetics [23]. …”

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Use of dark chocolate for diabetic patients: a review of the literature and current evidence

Shah

Alweis

Najim

et al. 2017

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

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Dietary changes are a major lifestyle factor that can influence the progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Recently, flavanols, a subgroup of plant-derived phytochemicals called flavonoids, have gained increasing attention, due to studies showing an inverse correlation between dietary intake of flavanols and incidence of diabetes. Flavanoids in the cocoa plant may ameliorate insulin resistance by improving endothelial function, altering glucose metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been proposed as the main culprit for insulin resistance. The well-established effects of cocoa on endothelial function also points to a possible effect on insulin sensitivity. The relationship between insulin resistance and endothelial function is a reciprocal one. Overall, the evidence from these studies suggests that cocoa may be useful in slowing the progression to type 2 diabetes and ameliorating insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. Additionally, results from several small studies indicate that cocoa may also have therapeutic potential in preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Studies highlighting the potential of cocoa-containing diets, in large-randomized controlled trials should be performed which might give us a better opportunity to analyze the potential health-care benefit for reducing the risk of complications in diabetic patients at molecular level.

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Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 86%

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Positive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Use of dark chocolate for diabetic patients: a review of the literature and current evidence

Shah

Alweis

Najim

et al. 2017

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

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“…While epidemiological studies point to the notion that consuming flavonoid-rich food or beverages may prolong human lifespan by lowering cardiovascular mortality (21) or improving insulin sensitivity (22) , some of these studies also show that flavonoid subclasses (flavanols, catechins)…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A literature review of flavonoids and lifespan in model organisms

Pallauf¹,

Duckstein²,

Rimbach³

2016

Proc. Nutr. Soc.

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Epidemiological data on consumption of flavonoid-containing food points to the notion that some of these secondary plant metabolites may favour healthy ageing. The aim of the present paper was to review the literature on lifespan extension by flavonoids in worms, flies and mice. In most studies, worms and flies experienced lifespan extension when supplemented with flavonoids either as extracts or single compounds. Studies with mutant worms and flies give hints as to which gene products may be regulated by flavonoids and consequently enhance longevity. We discuss the data considering putative mechanisms that may underlie flavonoid action such as energy-restriction-like effects, inhibition of insulin-like-growth-factor signalling, induction of antioxidant defence mechanisms, hormesis as well as antimicrobial properties. However, it remains uncertain whether human lifespan could be prolonged by increased flavonoid intake.

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