Mums and Bubs
Studies reveal that chocolates may be good for pregnant women. However, they have to choose dark chocolate instead of the usual milk chocolates. The researches indicate that dark chocolate may prevent pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia. This is a condition where the blood pressure of pregnant women may rise as extra protein is released in their urine.
The studies also found out that dark chocolate is rich in theobromine, a chemical that makes the heart function better as it relaxes the smooth muscles while dilating the blood vessels. This also helps in the treatment of chest pains as well as high blood pressure and the hardening of arteries.
Dark chocolate also have iron, magnesium and other important nutrients so pregnant women may benefit from it especially when they consume it moderately. Dark chocolates may also increase the levels of antioxidants in the body for the protection of some cancers as well as to improve their mood. However, pregnant women should not over-indulge in dark chocolate as there may also be some negative effects on them as well.
Dark chocolate also contain caffeine which when taken in large quantities may contribute to birth defects, premature babies, infertility as well as low birth weight in babies. Chocolates may also be a factor that brings heartburn. When pregnant women get affected by it, they can take it out from their diet. Too much caffeine intake may affect the baby inside the womb as well. It can alter the babies’ sleeping patterns and their movements especially at the last stages of the pregnancy.
A healthier substitute such as organic dark chocolate may be better for their health at the same time to satisfy their cravings for it. Although pregnant women have to buy their organic dark chocolate in bars, they only can eat as much as three squares of it in a day. They are also advised to consult first with their doctors if they would like to include organic dark chocolates in their meals.
Pregnant women may also feel better about themselves if they eat organic dark chocolates because its contents work on the neurotransmitters in their brains and give them the good feeling.
Just like any other types of foods that pregnant women eat; they have to take it in the right amount at the right time. Pregnant women may enjoy the best foods including dark chocolates but they will have to see to it that they do not consume any type of food in excess.
