Eating Chocolate During Pregnancy: Advantages And Disadvantages

During pregnancy, women crave a lot of food. One of the cravings that occurs at this time is chocolate. At this time, women consume chocolate, but there is a fear in their mind that eating chocolate during pregnancy may not harm the unborn baby. Any-query will help you overcome this fear. Here we are giving the advantages and disadvantages of eating chocolate in pregnancy as well as other information related to it.

Let us first know whether it is safe to eat chocolate during pregnancy or not.

Is it safe to eat chocolate during pregnancy?

It is considered safe to consume chocolate during pregnancy. According to a research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), the consumption of chocolate at this time can have many benefits for the pregnant. These benefits include improved pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) control, heart health, and placental circulation.

Next we are telling which chocolate can be eaten in what quantity during pregnancy.

How much and which chocolate is good during pregnancy?

Pregnant women can consume both dark and white chocolates. According to a research, eating 6.7 grams of dark chocolate per day during pregnancy can help in reducing inflammation. On this basis, it can be said that it can be better to consume dark chocolate during pregnancy.

In the next part of this article, we are giving information about the nutrients found in chocolate.

Nutrients in Chocolate

As we learned above that dark chocolate is good for pregnant women, so here we are telling about its nutrients. This nutrient can help to avoid many problems by nourishing the body.

1. Per 100 grams of chocolate, there are 1.37 grams of water, 598 kcal of energy and 7.79 grams of protein.
2. The total lipid (fat) in 100 grams of chocolate is 42.6 grams and carbohydrates 45.9 grams.
3. Each 100 grams of it contains 10.9 grams of fiber and 24 grams of sugar.
4. There are 73 milligrams of calcium and 11.9 milligrams of iron in 100 grams of chocolate.
5. Per 100 grams of dark chocolate contains magnesium 228 mg, phosphorus 308 mg and potassium 715 mg.
6. 20 mg sodium, 3.31 mg zinc, 1.77 mg copper and 1.95 mg manganese are found in every 100 chocolates.
7. It contains 6.8 micrograms of selenium, 0.034 milligrams of thiamine, 0.078 milligrams of riboflavin and niacin 1.05 milligrams.
8. 100 grams of dark chocolate can provide 0.038 milligrams of vitamin B-6, 0.28 micrograms of vitamin B-12 and 2 micrograms of vitamin A.
9. Each 100 grams of chocolate is enriched with 24.5 grams of total saturated fatty acids, 12.8 grams of total monounsaturated fatty acids and 1.26 grams of total polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Now we are giving information related to the benefits of eating chocolate during pregnancy.

Benefits of eating chocolate during pregnancy

Consuming chocolate during pregnancy can have many benefits for the pregnant. These benefits include

Gestational Hypertension

Chocolate is considered helpful in reducing the problem of preeclampsia high blood pressure during pregnancy. In a research published on the website of NCBI, it has been given that the problem of high blood pressure can be reduced by the consumption of chocolate during pregnancy. Actually, it contains a good amount of magnesium, due to which high blood pressure is controlled.

Keep heart healthy

Consuming chocolate during pregnancy can keep the heart healthy. According to a study published in this regard, chocolate can reduce the risk of cardio metabolic disease. Actually, it contains elements called flavonols, which work to protect the heart.

For cholesterol

Chocolate can also prove to be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels during pregnancy. A research paper published in this regard has given that plant sterols and cocoa flavones are found in chocolate. These nutrients can reduce cholesterol.