Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate During Pregnancy
Chocolate, ideally dark chocolates is rich in flavonoids and when consumed in moderation, is beneficial during pregnancy. The darker the chocolate, the more is the amount of flavonoids it contains. The benefits include:
Ease from Pre-eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia is a condition wherein the mother tends to have high blood pressure, aggravated levels of protein, and low clotting factors. This can result in premature labour, convulsions, blood clotting issues, and liver damage which can prove to be dangerous for the mother and baby. As per a study conducted in 2010, the theobromine present in chocolates can be beneficial against pre-eclampsia, particularly during the third trimester.
Source of Antioxidants: The flavonoids in chocolates are great antioxidants that have been well-proved to boost immunity levels.
Cardiovascular Benefits: The antioxidants in chocolate also help keep the heart healthy and can also help avert heart diseases ahead in life.
Relieve from Stress: Serotonin and endorphin, known as happy hormones, are known to enhance mood. Dark chocolate can enhance serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. The flavanols in chocolate also help tackle exhaustion and lessen stress levels.
Pleasant Babies: Research suggests that women who consumed more dark chocolate during pregnancy had happier and enthusiastic babies.
Balances Cholesterol Levels: The flavonoids in dark chocolate can help tackle high levels of cholesterol during pregnancy. Flavonoids also may improve vasodilation which is, the widening of the blood vessels, thus facilitating blood flow and improving blood pressure.
Existence of Resveratrol: This constituent of chocolate is beneficial in protecting the brain as well as the nervous system and can be beneficial to the baby’s development.
Anti-inflammatory Effect: The anti-inflammatory properties of chocolate help reduce the risk of stroke.
Presence of Monounsaturated Fats: A decent amount of monounsaturated fats is beneficial for pregnant women. Chocolate contains oleic acid that almost equates the amount of fats present in olive oil.
Nutrients it contains: Chocolate contains many nutrients such as iron and magnesium which help improve hemoglobin levels and also boost the metabolism of fatty acids.
Beneficial for fetal growth and development: According to a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA, eating 30 g of chocolate every day during pregnancy may prove to be beneficial for fetal growth and development.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The darker the chocolate, the better it is. Daarzel dark vegan chocolate contain many essential compounds that have many health benefits for pregnant women. Organic chocolates containing the least amount of sweeteners are the best. We also have a wide range of keto chocolates.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of eating Dark chocolates during pregnancy however like most foods, dark chocolates should also be consumed in moderation. 30 grams of dark chocolate per day is the recommended quantity for consumption during pregnancy. Doing so can not only help you can satisfy your cravings along with providing several health benefits but also without the fear of any ill effects.