If you are diabetic, choosing your chocolate can be complicated. Indeed, many chocolates contain a lot of added sugars and are therefore incompatible with a diabetic diet. So, can you eat chocolate when you are diabetic?
Is chocolate forbidden when you are diabetic?
Chocolate has not always been recommended for diabetics
Before, chocolate was formally not recommended for diabetics because it was too rich in sugar . Now, if you are diabetic and a foodie, rest assured, you will be able to treat yourself with certain chocolates! Indeed, there are chocolates with no added sugar, no sugar or with a low glycemic index, ideal for treating yourself every day if you have a restrictive diet. Discover all our chocolates and chocolate bars !
A diabetic can eat dark chocolate
Chocolate is an ambivalent food: we love it but we often hide it at the back of the cupboard. Rich in benefits (don’t hesitate to consult our article on the benefits of chocolate ), it is also considered too fatty, too rich in sugar and therefore bad for health.
But that’s to assume that all chocolates are equal! However, there are many varieties of cocoa beans, chocolates, and many chocolate bars when you walk around the supermarket! So, what differentiates one dark chocolate from another dark chocolate?
The sugar level
These elements will vary the taste and price of the chocolate. A diabetic can eat dark chocolate when the chocolate or chocolate bar does not contain too much added sugar and its glycemic index is therefore lower. The chocolate to favor is chocolate with a high cocoa content, without artificial flavors or palm oil. This high-quality dark chocolate often has a glycemic index between 25 and 30.
The battle of chocolates for diabetics
Choose dark chocolate
Between dark chocolate , milk chocolate and white chocolate, the least sweet chocolate is dark chocolate which has a high cocoa content. The higher the cocoa content of a chocolate, the darker it will be and the more fat it will contain. White chocolate and milk chocolate contain more sugar.
Dark chocolate has many health benefits: in addition to its nutritional qualities, it is a food rich in magnesium, rich in antioxidants and good
Vary the amount of chocolate according to your diabetes
The amount of chocolate you can eat varies depending on your type of diabetes, i.e
Improved insulin sensitivity
Studies have shown that flavonoids found in dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity. Improved insulin sensitivity allows the body to use glucose more efficiently, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Reduced inflammation
Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. These compounds may help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, which are more common in people with diabetes.
Mental well-being
Chocolate contains compounds that can improve mood, such as theobromine and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, often called the happy hormone. Better mood and stress management is beneficial for people with diabetes, as stress can affect blood sugar levels.
Weight Management
Although chocolate is high in calories, dark chocolate that is high in cocoa contains healthy fats that can increase feelings of fullness. This can help manage appetite and prevent overeating, a crucial aspect of weight management, which is a key component of diabetes management.
How to choose between all the sugar-free chocolates?
There are many sugar-free chocolates out there, so how do you choose? First, choose between a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and no added sugar, and a sugar-free chocolate (which contains sweeteners).
Here are some criteria to help you choose between all these products:
Dark, milk or white chocolate
Chocolate with sweetener (sugar-free or reduced sugar chocolates) or chocolate without sweetener
How to choose between all the sugar-free chocolates?
There are many sugar-free chocolates out there, so how do you choose? First, choose between a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and no added sugar, and a sugar-free chocolate (which contains sweeteners).
Here are some criteria to help you choose between all these products:
Dark, milk or white chocolate
Chocolate with sweetener (sugar-free or reduced sugar chocolates) or chocolate without sweetener
Organic or non-organic chocolate
Sugar content per 100g of dark chocolate
Type of sweetener: maltitol, erythritol, etc.D
In any case, if you are diabetic, try to limit yourself to 10 grams (about 2 squares) of dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.