Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons.

Davide Grassi, Cristina Lippi, Stefano Necozione, Giovambattista Desideri and Claudio Ferri

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 81, No. 3, 611-614, March 2005
© 2005 American Society for Clinical Nutrition
From the Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.

Numerous studies indicate that flavanols may exert significant vascular protection because of their antioxidant properties and increased nitric oxide bioavailability. In turn, nitric oxide bioavailability deeply influences insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and vascular tone. Thus, flavanols may also exert positive metabolic and pressor effects.

Original Research: http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/81/3/611

Reuters Report "When It Comes to Chocolate, Order Dark, Not White by Alison McCook"