Pregnancy is a vulnerable time and healthy eating is usually at the forefront of discussions. As women adjust to the different dietary requirements that come with pregnancy, chocolate remains a controversial subject.

Some believe chocolate is okay, while others completely avoid it. But what if we told you that eating a little chocolate during pregnancy is actually beneficial to both mother and baby? Here are some reasons why.

1. It is Rich in Antioxidants

Dark chocolate, in particular, is a great source of antioxidants which help to protect cells in the body from damage. Antioxidants help to prevent various health conditions and premature ageing.

During pregnancy, antioxidants derived from chocolate help to reduce the risk of abnormal cellular growth and improve the overall health of both mother and baby.

2. Reduces the Risk of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication which causes high blood pressure and damage to other organs. Eating chocolate during pregnancy reduces the risk of preeclampsia by up to 50 percent.

According to a study conducted by Yale University, pregnant women who consumed chocolate daily had a 40% less chance of developing preeclampsia compared to those who didn’t consume chocolate.

3. Can Help With Mood Swings

During pregnancy, mood swings are commonplace. However, a little chocolate can help to boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a hormone responsible for regulating mood.

When serotonin levels increase, it leads to feelings of happiness and relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety during pregnancy. In addition, consuming chocolate helps to increase endorphin levels, which are responsible for reducing pain sensations. This can come in handy during labor.

4. Acts as a Natural Anti-inflammatory

Chocolate contains a compound known as flavonoids, which are beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to several health issues that are especially problematic during pregnancy.

Furthermore, a little inflammation reduces the levels of essential nutrients in the body, making it difficult for the unborn baby to get the required nourishment. By consuming chocolate, pregnant women can reduce inflammation in their bodies, which can prevent premature labor and other complications.

5. Boosts Metabolism

Eating a little chocolate during pregnancy helps to boost metabolism, which helps the body to convert food into energy. Increased metabolism helps the body to function at optimum capacity, which is important during pregnancy.

By consuming chocolate, pregnant women can ensure that their bodies get the energy required to support the growth and development of their babies, and to manage the changes that come with pregnancy.

6. Improves Fetal Growth and Development

Studies have shown that consuming a little chocolate during pregnancy can lead to better fetal growth and development. One reason may be due to the health benefits of the flavonoids present in chocolate.

Flavonoids help to improve blood flow throughout the body, including the placenta, which can lead to better maternal and fetal outcomes.

7. Prevents Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It affects about 10% of all pregnancies and occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down sugar in the blood.

However, consuming a little chocolate during pregnancy has been found to regulate insulin levels, which helps to prevent the development of gestational diabetes. Evidence from various studies show that women who consumed about 25g of chocolate daily during pregnancy had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to those who didn’t.

8. Helps Combat Fatigue and Tiredness

During pregnancy, women need energy to keep up with the changes happening in their bodies. Chocolate contains caffeine, which helps to combat fatigue and tiredness and provides the body with the required energy to stay active.

Consuming chocolate during pregnancy can be especially helpful for women who experience exhaustion due to anemia or other conditions that result from iron deficiency.

9. Contains Essential Nutrients

Chocolate contains several essential nutrients such as iron and magnesium required to support the healthy growth and development of a baby during pregnancy.

Iron helps to reduce the risk of anemia, while magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of preterm labor.

10. Promotes Better Sleep

Getting good quality sleep is important during pregnancy, as it helps women deal with the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy.

Chocolate contains tryptophan, which is an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles, which can lead to better quality sleep during pregnancy.