Cacao & Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know
It is believed that the ancient Mayan Midwives used to prepare cacao as a fortification drink for pregnant women to enjoy. It was also given during labour for strength and resilience. Here are 6 benefits of cacao during pregnancy.
1. Cacao Relieves Pre-eclampsia
According to a study reported in the Annals of Epidemiology, cacao’s theobromine content helps relieve the condition. Researchers at the Yale University found that cacao intake lowered the risk of pre-eclampsia by almost 70%. About five servings a week is effective.
2. Cacao Regulates Blood Pressure
Theobromine present in cacao helps in regulating blood pressure in pregnant women by dilating the blood vessels.
3. Cacao Protects
Flavanols in cacao have been studied for many years. They have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage.
4. Cacao Relieves Stress
Cacao enhances your mood by raising endorphin and serotonin levels in the brain. Eating just 30 grams of cacao every day for two weeks lowers the levels of cortisol hormone (stress hormone).
5. Good Source of Iron & Magnesium
About 100g of cacao provides you with 67% of recommended daily intake for iron and 58% for magnesium. Iron is essential to maintain the hemoglobin count during pregnancy and magnesium helps to metabolise fatty acids.
6. Less stimulating than coffee
From a composition perspective, cacao beans contain much more healthy fat (50% versus 14%) while coffee beans have a greater percentage of carbohydrates or sugars (50% versus 20%). Unlike coffee, which constricts blood vessels and raises your heart rate to increase blood flow, cacao contains far less caffeine and reduces blood pressure.
