Wanted: 150 female diabetic chocolate eaters

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Scientists in the UK are seeking 150 women to eat chocolate every day for a year in the cause of medical research.

The trial, at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, eastern England, will test whether a natural compound found in cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, could cut the risk of heart disease among women with diabetes.

Cassidy and colleagues have recruited a Belgian chocolatier to produce a bar that contains three and a half times more flavonoids than the best dark chocolate. The bar contains soy as well, which is rich in flavonoids.

The object of the study is to find out whether high levels of flavonoids in food will protect women with type 2 (obesity-related) diabetes from heart disease, which presents a high risk to them.

Anyone interested in taking part should call the study nurse Andrea Brown or the coordinator Dr Peter Curtis on 01603 288570 or email flavo@uea.ac.uk.