Dark Chocolate and Pregnancy

A lot of things change when you find out you are pregnant, not only in your day to day, but in your entire mind and body. It can become exciting and terrifying in one go, and a lot of the times, this is when mothers to be, start to be more careful with what they consume and with that, start cutting down and avoiding caffeine, sugar, and unnecessary additives, which can have negative health implications to you and your unborn baby. For example: 

• Gestational diabetes
• Increased gestational weight gain
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm birth

But it’s not all worry and reductions, some things can still stay and with that help improve both you and your unborn. One of those is dear ole dark chocolate. Above 75% is best as the more cacao in the bar, the more superfood greatness you are receiving from this humble plant. Find out below our top 5 reasons for keeping up the chocolate when pregnant.

“During my pregnancy a morning hot chocolate was a great alternative to caffeine, giving me a boost to start the day. My favourite way to drink it though was to carve out 5 quiet minutes for myself in the afternoon to sit and check in, much needed when pregnant and running around after a toddler!” Susan Horton 2022

Decreases Risks

It can decrease the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. According to a review in 2010, they found a significant reduced risk for preeclampsia by eating or drinking dark chocolate in the first and third trimester. They also found a lowered risk of gestational hypertension in the first trimester by consuming dark chocolate. 

Caffeine Substitute

According to many reports, the recommended about of caffeine to have when pregnant is 200 milligrams or less per day. Which means forget your espresso and double shots, but hello to dark chocolate. Whilst it contains natural caffeine, the amounts are significantly reduced and as well as being a great coffee replacement, it also has amazing superfood qualities to help improve cognitive function, focus and energy levels. So not only do you feel happier, calmer, and looking after your mind, body, and baby. You have more energy, clarity and able to concentrate on your day to day.

Low in Sugar

Chocolate is a sliding scale of goodness, ranging from white, milk to dark chocolate. Not all chocolate has the same nutritional benefits so having a piece of white chocolate will not give you any of the benefits you would receive from dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is low in sugar due to having a higher concentration of cacao, this can often lead the bar to be bitter however with 80Noir Ultra we have managed to make miracles happen and removed the bitterness, so you only get all the benefits without the additives, extra sugar, or bitterness. Just pure luxuriously, smooth, and decadent hot chocolate or bar to consume. With only 2g of sugar per serving, it truly is the miracle chocolate for all.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Now it’s not going to replace any of the prenatal vitamins, but dark chocolate is gut busting full of minerals and vitamins. For example, containing magnesium, potassium, copper iron. Which all help in the muscle, nerve health of our bodies (not just pregnancy). However, it is also packed with antioxidants and high in fibre which is helpful to everyone’s health.

Baby Positives

I love this one, as who doesn’t want to make positive steps before the little bundles are born. Dark chocolate helps optimal growth as chocolate is high in cacao, which increases blood flow to the foetus, not just that but dark chocolate is proven to cause “sweeter” temperaments in babies and to add to this further, the mothers than consumed dark chocolate every day rated their 6-month olds as having a more positive temperament, which one could say is to do with the consumption of chocolate or that chocolate positively affected the mother as it increases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins levels, so that the mother is also feeling calmer, happier and able to deal with more and as such allows for a calmer child.  Either way, dark chocolate is known as the love drug for a very good reason. It helps promote positive feelings of happiness, soothes your soul, and gives you a moment of luxury greatness to reset your mind so you can cope with whatever is on your plate.

Now if these aren’t good enough reasons to start taking your daily dose of dark chocolate, I don’t know what is. Here at 80Noir Ultra, we make more than just a chocolate, its pure chocolate packed with a whole host of greatness from the high cacao percentage, antioxidants, high source of fibre, magnesium, potassium, and serotonin to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. We care what you put inside your mind and body.  

It enables you to indulge in the velvet and decadent undertones of our finest chocolate produce, whilst also fuelling your body with the necessary compounds to feel prepped and prepared for your day ahead. Perfect for motivating, energising, and boosting energy and morale for you and your baby. Our snack bars are the perfect balance between deliciousness and nutritious, low-calorie snack. Handmade with the finest dark chocolate, our 80.3% cocoa chocolate seeks to replenish your body with superfood greatness. The high percentage of cocoa aims to improve wellbeing, and muscle recovery and boost neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin to leave you feeling great.

Chocolate Details

• Each bar contains only 2g of sugar per serving: LOW IN SUGAR
• Each bar contains 70 Calories
• High in Fibre, Antioxidants, Potassium, Magnesium
• Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly, Palm Oil Free, Gluten Free, Sustainable Chocolate

Be kind to yourself, your baby and know that with every sip/bite of 80Noir Ultra, you are helping nurture, protect and provide a positive start.

https://www.80noirultra.com/collections/all