Chocolate during pregnancy: can it be or better avoided?
Experts say it: eating chocolate while you are pregnant is possible, as long as you do it in moderation. Let’s see together why.
What does chocolate contain?
Chocolate is a food mainly composed of cocoa and sugar , combined with other substances present in smaller quantities, such as oils , milk and flavourings . Generally speaking, a higher cocoa content is associated with an increase in calories , but also with a higher percentage of beneficial substances , such as polyphenols (powerful antioxidants ) and mineral salts .
Can you eat chocolate when you are pregnant?
In the absence of contraindications from the gynecologist, chocolate is not harmful to the health of mother and child. In fact, when consumed in moderation , it can even have positive effects .
Chocolate (and we are talking about “real” chocolate, with at least 70% cocoa ) is in fact a food which is often associated with a feeling of well-being and satisfaction , largely due to the presence of magnesium and tripophane .
This last amino acid , in particular, is used by the body to manufacture serotonin and therefore represents a real natural antidepressant .
In addition, the presence of flavonoids , copper and zinc helps improve memory and concentration , iron counteracts anemia , while polyphenols have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and in particular:
- regulate blood pressure ( reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia );
- they reduce “bad” cholesterol ;
- they improve capillary circulation .
Less positive, however, is the content of stimulants (such as methylxanthines , theobromine and caffeine ). In fact, if on the one hand these substances infuse energy and help fight the sense of fatigue , on the other they are able to cross the placenta and reach the future baby , who does not yet have the ability to metabolize them .
Is chocolate during pregnancy bad for the baby?
Chocolate during pregnancy has no negative effects on the baby, provided it is consumed in limited quantities.
In particular, 30 grams per day should not be exceeded , possibly reducing the dose according to the other sources of caffeine consumed during the day .
In this regard, it is worth mentioning that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set an upper limit of 200 milligrams of caffeine per day for expectant mothers.
Which chocolate to prefer during pregnancy?
Dark chocolate is certainly more suitable for pregnancy than milk chocolate . Specifically, it should contain at least 70% cocoa : this type of product, in fact, is characterized by a lower amount of sugars and saturated fats .
On the contrary, it is better to avoid industrial sweets such as bars , snacks , chocolates and spreads .
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.