Eating chocolate during pregnancy: It 'safe and how much to eat

Eating chocolate during pregnancy: It 'safe and how much to eat -

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Eating Chocolate during pregnancy increases the growth and fetal development, according to the Université Laval in Quebec Canada (1). The regular consumption of dark chocolate in small amounts from the first quarter could improve placental function. MomJunction tells you why you should eat chocolate, and how much of it might be safe or unsafe.

And 'safe to eat chocolate during pregnancy?

And 'safe to have chocolate while you are pregnant as several studies vouch for its benefits. But it is important for expectant mothers to maintain their consumption of caffeine to less than 0mg a day (2).

Chocolate It contains caffeine, which can interfere with the functioning of your body during pregnancy. It affects neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that carry signals) and can also cause gestational diabetes and excess weight gain. Therefore, you

should have in moderation

[Read: The effects of caffeine during pregnancy ].

Dr. Emmanuel Bujold, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Université Laval in Quebec City, says: "Our observations suggest that a small regular consumption of dark chocolate - if the level of flavanols is high - in from the first trimester of pregnancy, may lead to improved placental function.”

Why You should eat chocolate during pregnancy

Experts recommend moderate consumption of chocolate. The flavanols found in cocoa, which is an important component of chocolate, is useful for pregnant women. The darker the chocolate, more flavanols it has. Here are some benefits of eating chocolate:

1. Dark chocolate relieves Pre-eclampsia:

Pre-eclampsia is one of the causes of premature birth and is characterized by levels pressure and protein in the blood in the urine during pregnancy. When blood pressure increases, it leads to convulsions and can even cause blood clotting and liver damage.

According to a study reported in the Annals of Epidemiology, theobromine cocoa content helps alleviate the condition.

researchers at Yale University have found that chocolate intake lowered the risk of pre-eclampsia by almost 70%. It is therefore concluded that dark chocolate, about five servings a week, is effective in preventing preeclampsia in particular in the third quarter (3).

2. Regulates blood pressure :.

theobromine present in cocoa helps in regulating blood pressure in pregnant women dilating blood vessels

3. contains Essential Antioxidants:

Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are known to be potent antioxidants (4). . This antioxidant helps pregnant women to improve their levels of immunity and fight certain types of cancer

[Read:? And 'safe to eat a cake during pregnancy ]

4. Prevents heart diseases:

the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate plays a major role in preventing heart disease and, therefore, supports the cardiovascular system (5). The darker and the higher the quality of the chocolate, the better it is for the heart.

5. Relieves stress:

The dark chocolate is improve mood by increasing the levels of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. The results of a research study published in Proteome Research, say that eating dark chocolate daily 1.4 ounces for two weeks lowers the hormone cortisol (stress hormone). The flavanols reduces fatigue and reflects on the degree of stress (6).

6. Giving more happily:

The research results in the state of New Scientist Magazine that pregnant women who have had the most dark chocolates have given birth to more children happy and liveliest

the researchers randomly selected a few mothers who had six. month old children and asked them how often they had chocolate in pregnancy. It was told to vote for the happiness of their children.

Mothers who have often had the chocolate during pregnancy gave high score happiness for their children than mothers who did not have chocolate regularly.

However, the exact reason is not known -. may be the chocolate which passes through the placenta into breast milk or greater happiness of the mother from the chocolate that has made happy children

children Another interesting study that was protected from maternal stress. Mothers who never ate chocolate showed higher levels of stress during pregnancy had children who were fearful. . Mothers who ate chocolate showed lower levels of stress and had children who were less fearful (7)

[Read: how to be happy during pregnancy ]

7. Regulates cholesterol levels:

The dark chocolate contains low sugar and fat. In addition, the flavonoids found in it increase levels of good cholesterol, reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol and regulate sugar levels in the blood. They also improve the blood flow, making the elastic blood vessels (8).

8. Good sources of iron and magnesium:

Approximately 100 g of dark chocolate provides you with 67% of the recommended daily allowance for iron and 58% for magnesium (9). Iron is essential to maintain a hemoglobin count during pregnancy and magnesium helps to metabolize fatty acids

Because too much chocolate is not safe during pregnancy

Bujold adds :. "The chocolate consumption during pregnancy should remain reasonable, and caloric input should be considered in the equation"

You should not eat too much chocolate during pregnancy, for the following reasons :.

1. Caffeine:

It 'important for you to keep a check on caffeine consumption. See that you do not take more than 0 mg a day as it may lead to miscarriage. Chocolate contains caffeine, and when you mix it with tea, coffee or other drinks will be exceeded the recommended daily dose of 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate contains 31mg of caffeine. The same amount of milk chocolate contains 10 mg of caffeine (10).

Caffeine is also known to trigger heartburn. Many women experience heartburn during pregnancy due to physical and hormonal changes. You should avoid or limit the consumption of chocolate in this situation to relieve heartburn (11)

[Read: heartburn during pregnancy ].

2. Fats and calories:

Too much consumption of chocolate can cause excessive weight gain due to increased intake of fat and calories. Putting on excess weight, then, cause varicose veins, gestational diabetes, hypertension and increased risk of cesarean delivery. One ounce of dark chocolate contains 150 calories and nine grams of fat. Similarly, milk chocolate contains 150 calories and 8.5g fat (12).

3. Sugar:

Excess sugar from the chocolate may increase the risk of weight gain, gestational diabetes, and dental problems. About 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate contains 18g of sugar, and the same amount of milk chocolate contains 23g of sugar. Your gynecologist can tell the safe amount of sugar you can take, to help assess the safe amount of chocolate you can eat.

How to choose your chocolate wisely?

1. Choose darker chocolates:

The dark chocolate contains about 0 essential compounds, including flavonoids, magnesium, theobromine, and iron. Flavonoids are antioxidants in nature, that help improve vitamin C, lower blood pressure and improve vascular function.

2. Avoid Chocolate Mousse:

Mousse is not recommended for pregnant women as it is not good for the baby's health. It contains raw eggs, which can cause diseases such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. There is a risk of the mother carrying the Salmonella bacteria to the fetus (13).

3. Employees with a minimum sugar:

Choose chocolates that have a minimal amount of sweeteners or refined white sugar. Go for the organic chocolate because they contain GMO components or less inessential. Also, take bars containing about 65% cocoa, as it is considered nutritional

[Read: Ice Cream during pregnancy ].

milk chocolate during pregnancy:

chocolate milk offers an ideal dose of calcium and vitamin D, which is essential for the growth and development of the child's bone development (14). A cup of chocolate milk made at home can give 285mg of calcium, which is important for the heart, muscles and the development of the nerves, and blood coagulation (15).

If you do not have enough calcium when you are pregnant, you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis. Sometimes you can have a cup of chocolate milk to prevent bone loss and have a healthy baby.

The consumption of chocolate milk in moderation is a good way to get extra calories as well in your diet, especially if your doctor advises you to gain weight. A cup of chocolate milk made at home gives you about 0 calories, but can vary depending on the type of milk. Skim milk provides fewer calories than whole milk. . However, both are good choices compared to other beverages

Remember:

The consumption of excessive amounts of dark chocolate or other sweets will reduce the margin of healthy foods. During pregnancy, you should have a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Eating dark chocolate as a part of this balanced diet

Frequently asked questions :.

1. It is safe hot chocolate during pregnancy?

Yes, hot chocolate is sure to have during pregnancy, as it contains very low caffeine, usually about 25 mg per serving. Pregnant women can have up to 0 mg of caffeine and, therefore, is completely fine to consume hot chocolate in moderate amounts.

2. Because women have chocolate cravings during pregnancy?

The exact reason for chocolate craving among pregnant women is not known. It is believed that the lack of elements such as antioxidants and magnesium trigger cravings for chocolate. However, the studies agree with this belief because women hardly have any desire to vegetables or other nutritious foods.

Another belief is that the pregnant women crave for chocolate because it affects the brain, giving a feeling of happiness. It is also believed that the desire arise due to hormonal changes.

However, according to an article published in Frontiers in Psychology, desire is simply the result of biology mind. And 'the result of thinking that women can eat any food during pregnancy without the worry of getting overweight.

3. Not chocolate cravings determine that?

It is believed that chocolate cravings during pregnancy may be due to the gender of the baby. If a pregnant woman craving sweets like chocolates, candies or dairy products, are believed to have a child. However, there is no scientific research to support this belief. So even if you crave chocolate during pregnancy, you might have a boyfriend.

4. How much chocolate you can eat during pregnancy?

Every pregnancy is different, and so are the dietary needs. The amount of chocolate you can have depends on his general health conditions. You should discuss this with your doctor.

5. Can I eat white chocolate during pregnancy?

white chocolate has a high sugar content and contains no caffeine. A moderate amount per day should not cause a problem.

6. What are the benefits of eating dark chocolate during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Having dark chocolate from the first quarter can provide your fetus with certain essential nutrients. It provides iron, zinc and vitamin K needed for your growing baby. However, you should be careful about its consumption as too much can cause weight gain.

7. What are the benefits of dark chocolate during the second trimester of pregnancy?

The dark chocolate contains magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium, all of which are essential for you and for the growth and development of your child. You can safely take in moderate amounts during the second quarter.

8. Pregnant women can eat the chocolate cake?

Yes, you can have, but in moderation (16). You can also eat the chocolate ice cream, but be sure to take in moderation as it is high in fat and sugar.

Go ahead and have a delicious chocolate when you are pregnant. Let us know your experiences with food cravings during this period of your life

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Rebecca Malachi

"I believe that words have power. It is a powerful tool for the creative soul. Being a 'word addict', I express my thoughts and contribute articles to the health, wellness and beauty part. writing, I like listening to gospel music and enjoy nature watching in silence. "

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