Chocolate not really sinful
Quite a number of pregnant women do not touch chocolate during their pregnancy. Their reasons range from ‘I will gain unnecessary weight’ to I do not want to eat junk. We look at chocolate and what it means to a pregnant woman, and how safe it is to keep munching it especially in this month of Love.
Cocoa or dark chocolate is a fantasy for some women in pregnancy. It may provide a gratifying effect with increased satisfaction to the expectant mother. In addition it has certain beneficial effects on human health.
For your Heart
Cocoa possesses a significant antioxidant action, protecting against Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)* oxidation. There is a modest reduction in blood pressure after consuming a little dark chocolate daily.
Some amount of fat in chocolate comes in the forms of a saturated fat called stearic acid and a monounsaturated fat called stearic acid. However, unlike other saturated fats, stearic acid does not raise levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Consuming relatively large amounts of dark chocolate and cocoa does not seem to raise serum LDL cholesterol levels. Indeed, small but regular amounts of dark chocolate lower the possibility of a heart attack.
Diarrhoea & persistent coughs
Chocolate may be effective at preventing persistent coughing. It also appears to soothe and moisten the throat. Compounds found in chocolate can inhibit the development of diarrhoea, suggesting anti-diarrhoea effects of chocolate.
Sensual pleasure
Chocolate has also been identified as an aphrodisiac. These qualities of chocolate are associated with sensual pleasure of its consumption. Additionally, chocolate’s sweet and fatty nature may stimulate the hypothalamus. (The hypothalamus Is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. It controls body temperature, hunger, thirst,fatigue and anger) inducing pleasurable sensations as well as affecting the levels of serotonin. In the central nervous system, serotonin plays an important role as a neuro-transmitter In the modulation of anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, appetite and metabolism.
The downside of chocolate
There are two sides to every story and of course we know that too much of anything can be dangerous.
• Taken in large amounts, chocolate reduces sexual drive. While serotonin has a pleasurable effect, in high concentrations it can be converted to melatonin which in large amounts reduces the erotic kick.
• It may heighten sensitivity and euphoria.
• It may increase risk of certain cancers.
Nevertheless, when taken in moderation, the benefits outweigh the dangers and it is relatively safe for the mother and the foetus. So. get your box of chocolate and munch on. The wonders it does to your body are numerous and the taste alluring.
NB: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL*) is a complex of lipids and proteins, with greater amounts of lipid (any naturally-occurring molecule such as fats, oils, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K) and others. The main biological functions of lipids include energy storage than protein, which transports cholesterol in the blood. High levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Storage
Chocolate is sensitive to temperature and humidity. Ideal storage temperatures are between 15°C and 17°C with relative humidity of less than 50 per cent. Chocolate is generally stored away from other foods as it can absorb different aromas.
END: PG19/42