8 Surprising Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an amazing experience, but it is not always perfect. It can result in mood swings, tiredness, and cravings that are not planned at any moment of the day or night. One of the most typical cravings is chocolate. While many expecting mothers are curious to know whether the consumption of chocolate during pregnancy is safe, the good news is that the consumption of dark chocolate during pregnancy, with measures, can be both safe and beneficial.

According to a study, 50-90% of moms-to-be have intense food cravings, and chocolate is the most popular food that has been at the top of the list of those cravings.

Can Eating Dark Chocolate Be Safe in Pregnancy?

Correct, definitely — if done in a controlled manner. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate has less sugar and more antioxidants. The most important thing is not to use it excessively. The specialists recommend 20-30 grams daily. Since a 100g bar of dark chocolate contains approximately 8g of caffeine, be aware of other caffeine-containing foods, such as tea and coffee.

Let’s explore the surprising benefits of consuming dark chocolate during pregnancy and examine why it is a suitable addition to your daily diet.

1. Boosts Circulation and Reduces Blood Pressure

Many Indian women worry about their blood pressure during pregnancy. Collected data from Yale University indicates that regular chocolate consumption reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia by up to 70%. The theobromine in chocolate gives the blood vessels a helping hand to relax, making the blood flow better and keeping the heart healthier.

2. Lifts Mood and Reduces Stress

The emotional state of the mother is sometimes precarious during pregnancy. However, dark chocolate urges the release of serotonin and endorphins, the brain’s natural mood enhancers. Taking stress pills and eating chocolate literally do the same: one gives the mind rest, the other gives you pleasure. The truth is, you get the best of both worlds if you take a piece of chocolate when Stress is at its peak.

3. Provides Essential Iron

The prevalence of anaemia among Indian pregnant women is so high that almost every 1 in 2 females is anaemic, according to the 5th National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Unexpectedly, dark chocolate is full of iron. If consumed in the right way, it can be an efficient supplement to the production of haemoglobin and the regaining of lost energy.

4. Rich in Magnesium for Metabolism

Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium, which is a necessary nutrient for the proper metabolism of fatty acids and the stabilisation of blood sugar. It is even more essential for pregnant women who are advised to take balanced food that can cover their needs as well as those of the unborn child.       

5. Supports Healthy Baby Development

The relation of chocolate to pregnancy and health is just as one would not expect. A study reported in New Scientist claims that mothers who consistently ate chocolate had babies who were more smiling and energetic. Besides that, the antioxidants found in chocolate also protect the baby from the mother’s stress.

6. Helps Manage Pregnancy and Chocolate Cravings

Cravings can be tough to handle, so let’s be honest. The dark chocolate will always be a better choice among midnight hour and early morning cravings if compared with sugar-loaded desserts. It both caters to the sweet craving and gives your body some vital nutrients.

7. Lowers Risk of Heart Issues

The cardioprotective effect of cocoa flavonoids cannot be overemphasised. Pregnant ladies in India, where heart-related diseases are on the rise, would do well to consume dark chocolate as it would contribute to their cardiovascular health and thus alleviate pressure during pregnancy.

8. Strengthens Immunity

One of the reasons dark chocolate is so beneficial is that it contains polyphenols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances could be the primary factors that build immunity in both mother and baby during pregnancy, especially when it comes to infections.

Nutritional Value of Dark Chocolate in Pregnancy

• Iron – Supports the health of the blood
• Magnesium – Supports energy production
• Flavonoids – Enhance the flow of blood and decrease the swelling
• Endorphin boosters – Create positive feelings

Don’t forget that it should be 70% cocoa dark chocolate with little or no sugar content. Milk chocolate is not the perfect option, as it is high in sugar and low in nutrients.

When to Avoid Chocolate

Although dark chocolate is highly beneficial for pregnant women, it is still advisable to avoid it in certain situations. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes or those who have problems regulating their blood sugar should be careful and consume small quantities at most. Besides that, caffeine consumption should be monitored so that it is possible to stay under the allowed daily limit.

Final Word

Pregnancy brings with it joy, changes, and sometimes, stress. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel guilty when you give in to your chocolate cravings. The advantages of eating dark chocolate during pregnancy are too significant to be overlooked – it helps lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for the mood, and it even has the power to make the baby born happy.

Therefore, next time you are craving one, do not be burdened with the thought of having to go and get one. A little piece of dark chocolate could be precisely what you and your child need.