Chocolate During Pregnancy

Dark chocolate may protect pregnant women against preclampsia (hypertension induced by pregnancy). A recent study by Yale University found that "women with the highest blood levels of theobromine (found in dark chocolate) were 69% less likely to develop the condition than those with the lowest amount." Theobromine has been found in other studies to ease stress on the cardiovascular system and decrease blood pressure. Dr. Elizabeth Triche, research scientist at Yale, suggests limiting your intake of dark chocolate to 1 ounce per day (or 1 cup of hot cocoa).