Sometime during my nausea-free second trimester I came across a couple of articles that discussed the positive effects of dark chocolate on pregnant women. This was a very delightful moment for me as I am a self-proclaimed chocoholic and finally felt justified in indulging!
The first article talked about a study out of Yale University that included 2,291 pregnant women. It sited theobromine, a chemical found in dark chocolate, as an aid in reducing the chance of developing preeclampsia by as much as 69%. (Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication in which the mother develops high blood pressure and protein in her urine.) Theobromine is helpful for such a condition because it stimulates the heart, relaxes smooth muscles and dilates blood vessels. The study suggested consuming multiple servings of dark chocolate a week–women who ate five or more servings each week in their third trimester were 40 percent less likely to develop preeclampsia than those who ate chocolate less than once a week.
The other article I read suggests that women who eat chocolate during pregnancy have happier, livelier babies. This study was conducted by Katri Raikkonen at the University of Helsinki in Finland with 300 pregnant participants. The scientists believe phenylethylamine, a mood-altering chemical found in chocolate, may be responsible for the babies’ upbeat personalities. (While I cannot claim to be part of this study, I did enjoy in a small bite of dark chocolate on a very regular basis and have a very happy, smiley and lively little boy!)
Here is a third piece of evidence pointing to the positive effects of chocolate on pregnant women: Chocolate has higher levels of magnesium than any other food except seaweed (like dulse and alaria). According to Anne Frye, author of Holistic Midwifery, adequate sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium intake help prevent leg cramps. So for those mamas that are experiencing those nasty calf cramps, a little dark chocolate (and hydration!) may bring some relief to sore legs.
Note: if you’re reaching for a chocolate bar right about now, please remember that a serving is one small square of chocolate–not the whole bar! Chocolate is high in sugar which could bulk up the mother and baby and lead to other health problems, like gestational diabetes, if over-consumed. So please do not mistake what these studies are suggesting.
When I have mentioned the yummy benefits of chocolate in my prenatal yoga classes, it is sometimes met with concern about caffeine intake. Some women chose to completely abstain from caffeine during pregnancy, while others modify their consumption. The March of Dimes recommends that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is the amount in about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. To get a sense how this translates into chocolate, an average serving size of Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar (1.45 oz.) contains 31 milligrams of caffeine. So, if you are comfortable with a little caffeine in your diet, a small nip of chocolate is well within the recommended limits.
For those now on board with everything chocolate, you can broaden your palate at the upcoming New York Chocolate Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion from November 10th to 13th. The event will feature top chocolatiers and pastry chefs like Jacques Torres, Zac Young and Francois Payard, plus chocolate companies like Michel Cluizel, Valrhona, Guittard, and more. The event is also great for kids! The Kids Zone will feature arts and crafts, actors in period costume teaching children about the history of chocolate, and a “chocolate grab” game where kids can win tickets to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The best part of the Chocolate Show? Children are free (with a two child per adult limit). For more information about the Chocolate Show, click here.
I am planning on going with my family–hope to see you there!
