Chocolate, Berries and Red Wine 'Can Beat Diabetes'

Scientists have discovered that eating high levels of dark chocolate, berries and drinking red wine can provide protection from type 2 diabetes by helping the body regulate sugar. All of these contain flavanoids, and flavanoids help regulate levels of insulin, the hormone which controls glucose in the body. They also seemed to help prevent chronic inflammation. 

The study involved 2,000 women keeping a diary of all the food and drink they consumed and blood samples being analysed. Professor Aedin Cassidy has led the research at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England says, "One portion of berries every day can help you control your blood sugar levels but also prevent you having a heart attack." But there are warnings about overdoing the chocolate and wine when finding ways to consume flavanoids. "But there is always a tipping point with things like chocolate, red wine and even coffee ... too much outweighs the benefits." 

The best flavanoids of all are anthocyanins that give fruit like berries and grapes and vegetables like aubergines their distinctive red or dark blue coloring. Yummie!