Whether you’re looking for a good way to relax and de-stress, or looking for a way to ease your uterine contractions, chocolate is a great option. Dark chocolate is a great way to help soothe cramps and manage blood sugar levels. Combining dark chocolate with dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, or nuts can be an excellent way to take advantage of the benefits.
Dark chocolate soothes cramps
During menstruation, many women experience cramps that can interfere with their daily activities. These cramps can be mild or severe and can be painful. However, there are some foods that can help ease menstrual cramps. Dark chocolate is one such food.
Chocolate contains several ingredients that help soothe cramps. It is high in magnesium, potassium and iron. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. This antioxidant also boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a happy hormone that makes you feel more relaxed and at peace.
It can help relieve period pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormones that cause cramps. The prostaglandins are produced by cells in the uterus as it begins to shed its lining during the “months” period. Excessive release of these hormones leads to abdominal cramps.
Dark chocolate contains magnesium and potassium, two essential nutrients that help reduce the effects of cramps. Magnesium helps relax muscles, whereas potassium keeps the muscles from bloating and stops muscle contractions. Both of these nutrients also help maintain a balanced water level throughout the body.
Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, a class of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage. These antioxidants help increase the amount of serotonin in the body, which reduces pain and improves mood. Dark chocolate can also help with skin conditions, like eczema.
There are several other foods that can help alleviate period pain. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. You can also try a variety of home remedies, such as light exercises, massages, and heating pads. You can also take pain-relieving medications. However, if you experience severe pain during your period, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner.
If you are suffering from painful periods, it is important to make lifestyle changes. Some of these include eating the right foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying hydrated. You can also try to reduce the amount of stress you are experiencing. Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium, which can help you relax your muscles and reduce the pain associated with your period.
It helps manage blood sugar levels
Managing blood sugar levels during periods can be challenging for people with diabetes. A few factors that may contribute to blood sugar changes include hormone fluctuations, cravings for sweets, and a lack of physical activity. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should ask your GP about ways to manage your blood sugar levels.
Several studies have suggested that dark chocolate may help people with diabetes. The cocoa plant contains flavanoids that may help control blood sugar levels. These flavanoids reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. They may also help prevent postprandial hyperglycemia. In vitro studies have shown that the flavonols epicatechin and catechin increase the amount of insulin secreted by pancreatic b-cells.
Another study found that eating dark chocolate reduces insulin resistance in humans. In hypertensive Kuna women, dark chocolate consumption exhibited a positive effect on circulating insulin sensitivity check index values. These improvements were noted within two weeks. This suggests that the effects of eating cocoa may be reliant on continued consumption over a longer period.
A small study suggests that eating chocolate during the evening may reduce ad libitum energy intake. This may be due to the fact that eating in the evening leads to a smaller spike in blood sugar levels. Similarly, eating chocolate in the morning may reduce the amount of fat and carbohydrate intake.
In an indirect calorimetry study, a group of 24 females took 100 g of milk chocolate for two weeks with breakfast. During that time, they completed 10 tests of body weight, hunger, and appetites every day. After a rest period, they performed the tests again. During each condition, the volunteers took 10-cm visual analog scales before and after each meal. They also took time-stamped photographs using a cell phone app.
In the end, no significant differences were found between the control and the chocolate conditions. The chocolate conditions did not cause weight gain. However, they did induce a difference in carbohydrate oxidation. In addition, the results show that eating chocolate in the evening increased the fasting glucose level by 4.9%.
It eases uterine contractions
During menstruation, your blood volume and oestrogen levels plummet. As a result, you may find yourself in the dark when it comes to the health benefits of chocolate. Nevertheless, the stuff does have its benefits. From a purely nutritional perspective, chocolate’s a good source of fiber and potassium, two nutrients that help control salt levels and alleviate cramping. As a bonus, the chocolate may be one of the few foods that make you feel better during a menstrual period.
Similarly, there’s no reason to avoid chocolate altogether, especially if you’re pregnant. On the other hand, you don’t want to be pigeonholed into the chocolate pigeon hole, especially if you’re on a budget. Having said that, it’s also important to take stock of your diet. One of the best ways to do this is to get your hands on some dark chocolate. Not only will it improve your mood, it will also help you feel better about yourself. In fact, it’s not surprising that a lot of women find themselves unsatisfied with their current state of affairs. Chocolate also helps alleviate mood swings and keeps you from binge eating.
There are dozens of chocolate options to choose from. However, you’re best bet is to buy the stuff in bulk. The best place to do this is at a health food store or grocery store. Also, consider making a trip to the farmers market to source some of the best chocolate in the world. As for the actual chocolate itself, you’re best off sticking to the best brands.
Combining dark chocolate with dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, or nuts
Combined dark chocolate with dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, or nuts may provide relief from period cramps. The antioxidant content of dried fruit and nuts may play a role in their efficacy. However, more research is needed to determine the actual efficacy of chocolate on cramps.
Consuming nuts and dried fruit has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. This relationship is not universal. However, there are several studies that have shown an inverse association between nut consumption and risk of stroke among women. In addition, research has shown that higher consumption of nuts is associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease and hypertension.
Nuts and dried fruit are considered health foods because they provide micronutrients. For example, tree nuts are rich in bioactive compounds and healthy fatty acids. A small portion of the US population regularly consumes tree nuts. Increasing intake would improve nutrient intakes and improve diet quality.
A systematic review of prospective cohort studies examined 467,389 participants. Nut and dried fruit consumers had similar HEI scores than non-consumers. However, the increase in HEI scores was greater for consumers of both nut and dried fruit.
Overall, combining nuts and dried fruit has a positive effect on the nutritional quality of the American diet. However, combining nuts and dried fruit with a variety of other food groups can improve HEI scores. A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies examining associations between nut consumption and stroke mortality among women found a significant inverse association.
In addition, consumers of dried fruit have higher dietary intakes of vitamins A, C, E, thiamin, and calcium. Dried fruit also provides fiber, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for a healthy cardiovascular system.
Dried fruit has also been associated with a decreased risk of obesity and diabetes. A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies found that combining nuts and dried fruit had a positive effect on the dietary intake of calcium and magnesium.
Other potential benefits of combining nuts and dried fruit include reduction in cardiovascular risk factors and improvement in the quality of diet. Nuts and dried fruit can be used to replace snacks high in sodium and refined sugar.
