Chocolate carries many health benefits, which makes it an important healthy option for expectant mothers at this difficult stage, during which the body needs vitamins and nutrients to provide the fetus with appropriate nutrition, especially as it is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B, protein, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
According to the report published on the “Express” website, in which experts recommended pregnant mothers to eat an average portion of chocolate, to benefit from the nutrients it contains, and the following are the most important factors that make chocolate “snack” excellent during pregnancy:
1. Preventing preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs during this period and can make pregnant women suffer from high blood pressure, and can cause premature birth, liver and kidney disorders, and endanger her life. Theobromine minerals in chocolate prevent preeclampsia.
2. Increased Metabolism:
Chocolate contains a very important substance, magnesium and iron, both of which contribute to promoting fat metabolism and the production of red blood cells and protecting pregnant women from anemia. They also contribute to the formation of hemoglobin and help in the metabolism of fatty acids..
3. Adjust blood pressure levels:
Since a pregnant woman can suffer from high blood pressure, she needs an intake that can help control its levels, so chocolate is an excellent choice because it contains theobromine, which contributes to the expansion of blood vessels, which can restore blood pressure to normal..
4. Rich source of antioxidants:
Antioxidants can overcome the free radicals that can enter our bodies through cigarette smoke, which prevents the growth of cancer cells in pregnant women and avoids heart disease.
5. Lose weight during pregnancy:
Eating dark chocolate contributes to weight loss and facilitates digestion in pregnant women.
6. Improving the mood of women:
Many hormonal changes occur for mothers during pregnancy. Eating a portion of chocolate contributes to improving your mood and relieving stress and anxiety, especially as studies have revealed that chocolate has a function to stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain, spine and other parts of the body, which gives you a feeling of satisfaction and acts as an antidepressant.
