According to Katherine Tallmadge a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "More and more research is showing that [eating chocolate] is really more beneficial than we ever imagined."
People, particularly women, report specific cravings for chocolate, which may signal a nutritional or medicinal need. Chocolate contains several essential minerals and nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins A, B1, C, D and E. Cocoa powder is the highest natural source of magnesium.
According to Nutritiondata.com, a one-ounce serving of dark chocolate contains 19 percent of the US recommended daily allowance of iron.
Chocolate, Menstruation, and Pregnancy
Dark chocolate contains a high level of magnesium, which is essential for calcium absorption, which in turn reduces the muscle cramps common during menstruation (premenstrual syndrome) and pregnancy. Magnesium relaxes the uterus (and other muscles), reducing the chance of premature contractions during pregnancy. Magnesium is also used as a treatment for constipation, which can also contribute to menstrual cramps.
Magnesium is necessary to build and repair tissues and to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Additional sources of magnesium include nuts, seafood (safe seafood during pregnancy), and green vegetables. Sufficient magnesium helps reduce nausea and vomiting, the symptoms of morning sickness.
Chocolate and Caffeine
Chocolate contains a mild stimulant, caffeine-like substance called theobromine. Theobromine is not the same as caffeine and sources differ on whether theobromine carries the same risks during pregnancy as caffeine.
Theobromine can reduce blood pressure and works as a diuretic increasing urine output, which many women already consider an issue during pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, small amounts of caffeine appear safe during pregnancy. Chocolate contains significantly less caffeine-like substance than coffee, tea, and soda.
Chocolate also contains the mood elevating elements seratonin and phenylethylamine, which the human brain releases when people feel happy.
Chocolate and Flavonoid Antioxidants
The flavonoids (polyphenol antioxidants) in dark chocolate can lower high blood pressure, which is especially important during pregnancy. The flavonoids also increase blood flow to the brain and protect cells from damage by environmental toxins. Antioxidants may prevent preeclampsia and reduce the risk of birth defects. Additional sources of antioxidants include fresh (preferably organic) fruits and vegetables.
Unsweetened cocoa powder contains the highest level of beneficial properties, followed by high cocoa content dark chocolate. Milk chocolate and white chocolate contain significantly less nutritional value, significantly more carbohydrate (sugar), and milk may actually negate the health benefits of chocolate.
Like any carbohydrate (sugar-containing) food, chocolate consumption warrants moderation. However, dark chocolate can play a part in a healthy diet. It can provide medicinal as well as nutritional benefits through its potential to prevent or treat high blood pressure, magnesium deficiency, preeclampsia during pregnancy, premature birth, and birth defects.
Source:
DeNoon, Daniel J. "Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate." WebMD, August 2003.
Richardson, Jake. "Iron: Dark Chocolate Contains More Iron Than Beef." Care2.com, May 2010.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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