Chocolate could prevent complications in pregnancy.
Studies have shown that the chemical theobromine (commonly found in chocolate) may reduce the risk and effects of pre-eclampsia, which is a major complication during pregnancy. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, making dark chocolate the preferred choice for health-conscious pregnant women.The condition is known to raise the blood pressure of pregnant women. By eating chocolate, the risk of developing pre-eclampsia is reduced by up to 69 percent! The study was conducted on almost 2,300 women and found that the greatest benefits were experienced by women who ate five or more servings of chocolate each week, especially in their third trimester of pregnancy. Despite this evidence, not all doctors are convinced. Many claim that further studies are necessary in order to prove a direct link between pre-eclampsia and chocolate.