A study funded by Diabetes UK involving taking flavonoid rich chocolate resulted in a beneficial clinical effect.

93 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes aged between 51 and 74 took part in the trial. Half were given two small bars of flavonoid-enriched chocolate each day and half were given placebo chocolate bars. Those receiving the extra flavonoids reduced their risk of suffering a heart attack in the next decade by 3.4% and also reduced their cholesterol levels.

This showed that diet has a beneficial clinical effect over and above the normal drug treatment.

The researchers were at pains to point out that the chocolate used was not like the commercially produced bars which put on weight and can adversely effect diabetes.

There are various foods that contain flavonoids such as tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables and dark chocolate.

Further studies are now needed to see if other foods have the same effect and whether men would benefit also.

So the message is a little dark chocolate may be a good thing after all.