| Most people are of the opinion that chocolate is not | | | | chocolates contain lesser quantities of theobromine |
| good for pregnant women as it contains caffeine that | | | | and are therefore less beneficial. Both unsweetened |
| inhibits the absorption of iron. | | | | cocoa and dark chocolate start out being healthy but |
| Studies have surprisingly revealed that dark chocolate | | | | the concentration of flavonoids reduces when milk, |
| on the other hand is actually beneficial for pregnant | | | | water or sugar is added. This is why you should cut |
| women. A daily intake of dark chocolate protects | | | | down on the consumption of dairy products if you are |
| pregnant women from experiencing high blood | | | | eating them at the same time as dark chocolate. Milk |
| pressure related problems. | | | | essentially negates the health benefits of dark |
| The good quality ones leads to a much lower chance | | | | chocolate. |
| of contracting pre-eclampsia that causes | | | | Research has also shown that when pregnant women |
| cardiovascular complications like hypertension. Dark | | | | eat them they also pass on the benefits to their |
| chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that | | | | babies. Researchers have found a connection |
| induces vasodilation, stimulates the heart and is a | | | | between mothers who ate dark chocolate while they |
| diuretic. It also contains magnesium that helps in | | | | were pregnant and the happiness quotient of their |
| reducing hypertension. Magnesium is also required in | | | | babies. They claim that women who ate chocolate |
| high amounts by pregnant women as it helps in the | | | | gave birth to happier babies. |
| development of the fetal brain. Flavonoids contained in | | | | Caffeine is present even in it although theorbromine is |
| it have powerful anti-oxidant properties. Flavonoids are | | | | contained in higher quantities. As a result, the benefits |
| plant compounds and help in building immunity and | | | | of theobromine outweigh the effects of caffeine. |
| contain anti-carcinogens. In the context of pregnant | | | | This does not however mean that pregnant women |
| women, flavonoids help in preventing pre-eclampsia. | | | | can binge on them. Excessive consumption may lead |
| Dark chocolate is rich in the flavonol, epitechin. Epitechin | | | | to weight problems and other health disorders. The |
| is related to high levels of prostacyclin. Pre-eclampsia is | | | | ideal intake quantity is one good quality bar after lunch |
| caused by low levels of prostacyclin. This is how they | | | | or supper. This is the equivalent of one cup of tea of |
| can help in reducing the possibility of pre-eclampsia. | | | | tea brewed for two minutes, in terms of the |
| The darker the chocolate, the healthier it is. Sweeter | | | | cardiovascular health benefits. |