Answer to Question 1
Answer: The ingredients thought to be responsible for chocolate's beneficial effects are members of the flavonoid group of antioxidant phytochemicals, especially a flavonoid called epicatechin. Flavonoids reduce the buildup of cholesterol in blood vessels, blood vessel inflammation, and the platelet action that results in blood clots. They also improve blood pressure and blood lipid profiles, and reduce insulin resistance. Dark chocolate has higher levels of flavonoids than does milk chocolate.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Medical expenses for a patient with diabetes are more than two times higher than for a patient without diabetes, and overall, direct medical costs of diabetes were 116 billion in 2007. In addition, another 58 billion was lost to the American economy in 2007 from indirect costs such as disability, work loss, and premature death.
