Craving while pregnant is normal. Pretty often, some cravings are more likely “unhealthy,” especially for expectant mothers. Ice cream, junk foods, and chocolates are among the top foods of such cravings. Chocolate made to the list and is considered safe for intake. Essentially, based on a study performed at the Universite Laval Quebec City in Canada and at Yale University, eating white chocolate during pregnancy helps with fetal development.
Chocolate during pregnancy first trimester
If you’re thinking, is eating white chocolate during pregnancy good, then you will be glad to know that yes, it is. But make sure to eat in control. This is because of the caffeine in the chocolates. It’s essential to maintain the levels of caffeine intake below 200mg daily. Also, too much kit kat during pregnancy can result in making you less starving for nutritious foods which are important during pregnancy.
Dietary value of chocolates
Chocolates are rich sources of flavonoids, theobromine, and magnesium. While magnesium controls pressure level and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, theobromine improves kidney function and vitalizes the blood vessels. The 45gm of milk chocolate contains 235 calories and 13g of fat, and dark chocolate, on the other hand, has 290 calories and 19g of fat.
Health benefits of chocolates
Eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate during pregnancy has proven to have numerous benefits such as:
1. Cardiovascular benefits
Chocolates contain antioxidants that are good for the heart and can counteract heart disease later in life.
2. Happier babies
Study shows that women who eat more dark chocolate during pregnancy first trimester will have happier and bubblier babies. Also, research revealed that chocolate keeps babies away from parental stress.
3. Antioxidants
The flavonoids in eating sweets while pregnant are excellent antioxidants that can boost immunity levels.
4. Away from Pre-eclampsia
In pre-eclampsia condition, the mother likely has high blood pressure and improved levels of protein. This can trigger premature labor, seizures, liver damage and blood clotting problems. The theobromine in chocolate can alleviate this condition and reduce its risk by 70%. This can be very useful in the third trimester.
5. Monounsaturated Fats
A modest amount of monounsaturated fats is perfect for pregnant mothers. Chocolate includes oleic acid that has almost the same quantity of fats like olive oil.
6. Stress reliever
Dark chocolate can affect a spike in endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain. These are mood boosters. Also, the flavanols in chocolate can help fight fatigue and stress.
7. Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory compounds of chocolate during pregnancy third trimester are beneficial as it helps reduce the possibility of stroke.
8. Nutrient content
Dark chocolate during pregnancy contains many vitamins such as magnesium and iron which are effective in improving hemoglobin count and boosting the digestion of fatty acids.
9. Controls cholesterol levels
The flavonoids in dark chocolate monitor the rise in the level of cholesterol when pregnant. Also, they help better blood flow by making the blood vessels flexible.
10. Resveratrol
This ingredient of chocolate is beneficial in protecting the brain and nervous systems and can be useful to the baby’s growth.
What’s the best chocolate?
Dark chocolates are better. It contains a wide range of essential nutrients that have various health benefits for pregnant mothers. If there are organic chocolates available that have a small number of sweeteners and refined white sugar, then it’s perfect! Avoid eating chocolate mousse because it has raw eggs that are not good for pregnant women. Eating white chocolate during pregnancy as well as hot chocolate and chocolate milk are all safe for intake. The casual servings of ice cream and chocolate cake are also tolerable if you stick to your boundaries.
Read also:
- Is Walking Safe During Pregnancy?
- Your Official Guide to Sitz Bath After Giving Birth
- Pregnancy Diet: How Safe is it to Eat Apricot During Pregnancy?
