Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants which provide many protective effects against a range of diseases, including heart disease, blood pressure and some cancers. New research has shown that flavonoids may also help with managing your diabetes.

Flavonoids are found in fruits (especially berries and red grapes), herbs, vegetables, grains and tea. These foods make up part of a healthy, well balanced diet, with their rich colour being due to the antioxidants they contain. Flavonoids can also be found in foods such as chocolate or red wine.

There is no doubt that flavonoids are good for you. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids may help with diabetes management, with their properties helping to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. However these studies are not yet conclusive, with further research needed to determine the amount of flavonoid required to have a positive impact on your diabetes.

While flavonoids are good for your health, people with diabetes should be careful about the types and especially the amounts of flavonoid-containing foods they consume.

As mentioned previously, a healthy balanced diet can include serves of fruits, herbs, vegetables, grains and tea. However recent media coverage about the topic of ‘flavonoids and diabetes’ has particularly focused on promoting chocolate and red wine as good sources of flavonoids in your diet. While chocolate and red wine both do contain flavonoids, they should only be eaten in moderation due to their high energy content.

In addition, studies have found that the main protective antioxidant element in flavonoids is actually found not in chocolate or red wine but in the aforementioned berries, red grapes, herbs, vegetables, grains and tea.

People with diabetes should heed one other important point about eating foods such as red wine and chocolate for the flavonoid benefits – more isn’t better. Moderate amounts of chocolate or red wine are okay, however the flavonoid benefits of these foods are outweighed by their high caloric content in larger quantities.

To manage or reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you should follow a healthy lifestyle which includes physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.