Tornero-Aguilera, Jose FranciscoLópez-Moreno, MiguelVillanueva-Tobaldo, Carlota ValeriaMartín-Rodríguez, AlexandraCuriel-Regueros, AgustínClemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier2026-09-302026-09-302026-06-09Tornero-Aguilera, J F, López-Moreno, M, Villanueva-Tobaldo, C V, Martín-Rodríguez, A, Curiel-Regueros, A & Clemente-Suárez, V J 2026, 'Cocoa-Based Plant Matrices in Glucose Metabolism : Bioactive Compounds and Redox Signaling', Antioxidants, vol. 15, no. 6, 732. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox150607322076-3921PubMedCentral: PMC13295316unpaywall: 10.3390/antiox15060732https://hdl.handle.net/10641/8411Publisher Copyright: © 2026 by the authors.Los alimentos basados en cacao están siendo cada vez más reconocidos como matrices complejas de origen vegetal con potencial relevancia para la salud metabólica, impulsados por las interacciones entre múltiples componentes bioactivos. Los trastornos metabólicos, incluyendo la resistencia a la insulina y el diabetes tipo 2, se caracterizan por disturbios en el homeostasis de glucosa, estrés oxidativo y disfunción endotelial. Esta revisión narrativa examina criticamente el potencial antidiabético de las matrices vegetales basadas en cacao, integrando evidencia de la bioquímica nutricional y la fisiología metabólica. Analizamos el papel específico de los flavanoles del cacao en las vías de señalización sensibles a los redox relacionados con la biodisponibilidad del óxido nítrico e insulin [Traducción automática al español; idioma original: inglés.]Cocoa-based foods are increasingly recognized as complex plant-derived matrices with potential relevance for metabolic health, driven by interactions among multiple bioactive components. Metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, are characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. This narrative review critically examines the antidiabetic potential of cocoa-based plant matrices, integrating evidence from nutritional biochemistry and metabolic physiology. We analyze the specific role of cocoa flavanols in redox-sensitive signaling pathways related to nitric oxide bioavailability and insulin signaling. Furthermore, we evaluate how complementary matrix components, such as non-glycemic sweeteners, prebiotic and viscous fibers, oleic-rich lipids, and micronutrients, modulate postprandial glycemic responses, gut microbiota activity, and overall metabolic regulation. Current evidence indicates that the metabolic effects of cocoa cannot be attributed to isolated compounds but emerge from coordinated interactions within the food matrix. Understanding these multi-component dynamics is essential for the rational design of cocoa-based functional foods aimed at improving glycemic control and supporting metabolic resilience.54986839enghttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/cocoa polyphenolsflavanolsfunctional food matricesglycemic regulationgut microbiotametabolic disorderspostprandial glycemiaredox signalingFood SciencePhysiologyBiochemistryMolecular BiologyClinical BiochemistryCell BiologySDG 3 - Good Health and Well-beingJournal ArticleReviewYesreview articleopen access10.3390/antiox15060732https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105042784360https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105042784360#tab=citedBy