by Sara Mcgrath

Created on: July 20, 2010

Women who crave chocolate may crave it even more during pregnancy. The reason: Chocolate has health benefits! The important thing is to choose high-quality nutritious chocolate. According to WebMD, dark chocolate is healthy chocolate. According to Katherine Tallmadge a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "More and more research is showing that [eating chocolate] is really more beneficial than we ever imagined."

Magnesium

Chocolate cravings may signal a need for magnesium. Dark chocolate contains a high level of magnesium, which is essential for calcium absorption, which in turn reduces the muscle cramps common during pregnancy. Magnesium relaxes the uterus (and other muscles), reducing the chance of premature contractions. Magnesium is necessary to build and repair tissues and to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Additional sources of magnesium include nuts, seafood, and green vegetables. Sufficient magnesium helps reduce nausea and vomiting, the symptoms of morning sickness.

Antioxidants

The flavonoids (polyphenol antioxidants) in dark chocolate can lower high blood pressure, which is especially important during pregnancy. The flavonoids also increase blood flow to the brain and protect cells from damage by environmental toxins. Antioxidants may prevent preeclampsia and reduce the risk of birth defects. Additional sources of antioxidants include fresh (preferably organic) fruits and vegetables.

A study reported in The London Daily Telegraph (July 2010) presented findings that women who consume chocolate at least three times per week reduced their risk of developing preeclampsia, the major symptom of which is high blood pressure.

Unsweetened cocoa powder contains the highest level of beneficial properties, followed by high cocoa content dark chocolate. Milk chocolate and white chocolate contain significantly less nutritional value, significantly more carbohydrate (sugar), and milk may actually negate the health benefits of chocolate.

Caffeine

Chocolate contains a mild stimulant, caffeine-like substance called theobromine. Theobromine is not the same as caffeine and sources differ on whether theobromine carries the same risks during pregnancy as caffeine. Theobromine can reduce blood pressure and works as a diuretic increasing urine output, which many women already consider an issue during pregnancy.

According to the March of Dimes, small amounts of caffeine appear safe during pregnancy. Chocolate contains significantly less caffeine-like substance than coffee, tea, and soda.

Like any carbohydrate (sugar-containing) food, chocolate consumption warrants moderation. However, dark chocolate can play a part in a healthy diet during pregnancy. It can provide medicinal as well as nutritional benefits to pregnant women and their babies through its potential to prevent or treat high blood pressure, magnesium deficiency, preeclampsia, premature birth, and birth defects.

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