Endocrine Abstracts

Polyphenols are chemical components found largely in plants. Dark chocolate (DC) is one of the highest sources of polyphenols in foods. Several animal and few human studies have suggested that DC might improve insulin sensitivity and decrease glucose levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of polyphenol-rich DC (PRDC) on insulin sensitivity (determined by HOMA and QUICKI) and fasting glucose levels. Sixty-one volunteers with no history of diabetes, hypertensi...

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been described as crucial factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Polyphenols are phytochemicals with established antioxidant properties, and dark chocolate (DC), a highly consumed food, is one of main food sources of polyphenols. Many human studies have suggested a lowering effect of DC on oxidized LDL levels, while its impact on high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) -one of the...