Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. The cocoa in dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may provide several health benefits. Dark chocolate contains chemicals and antioxidants that may help fight inflammation. According to a large Italian study, people who ate about one square of dark chocolate every three days had lower measures of a protein associated with inflammation than those who ate no chocolate at all. At least 70 percent dark chocolate is best.

In Another study researchers found that eating 30 g of 84-percent dark chocolate each day for 8 weeks significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers in people with type 2 diabetes. The authors of the study concluded that there is a need for additional studies to evaluate the optimal amounts of dark chocolate to use to treat those with diabetes.