Good news: new study discovers that chocolate might help reducing the risk for pre-eclampsia.
A study conducted by Yale University tried to find the effects of chocolate on pregnant women’s health, and especially its relation with pre-eclampsia. The research surveyed the chocolate consuming habits of 1,681 pregnant women, who had 1-5 serves of chocolate per week (one serving of chocolate can be considered as one cube of chocolate, chocolate drink, small scoop of chocolate ice cream, etc.). Their findings are quite surprising…
Chocolate while Pregnant Prevents Pre-eclampsia?
The research found a clear connection between chocolate during pregnancy to reducing the risk of having pre-eclampsia. The risk of getting pre-eclampsia was lower by 60% (!) with women who had five or more servings of chocolate per week, compared to the ones who had one serving or none at all.
What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is gestational medical condition which usually develops in the 32nd week, but can appear as early as the 20th week. Its main characteristics are:
- High blood pressure
- High amount of protein in the urine
- Various birth complications, such as premature delivery
- Potential damages to the baby and it development
If left untreated it can develop into eclampsia, which is a life-threatening condition for the mother. It is characterized with seizures, facial twitching and coma. In acute cases it can lead to death.
As if this isn’t a good enough reason to have chocolate in your pregnancy diet, know that good quality chocolate have up to 700 different kinds of antitoxins, it help blood vessels functioning, it’s good for the kidneys and heart, and more.
So how much Chocolate should you have during Pregnancy? It is important to understand that chocolate should not be considered as a means to prevent pre-eclampsia. It is okay to enjoy it, even daily, as long as it’s in moderation and combined with a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet. Consult with your doctor or nutrition consultant to find the best amount of chocolate in your diet while pregnant.
