Dark chocolate is a unique product that has been around for centuries. It's excellent for health and can help with various issues, including period cramps.
It's also an excellent source of magnesium and other minerals that help ease menstrual cramps.
In this article, we'll cover the benefits of having dark chocolates during menstruation. We'll also give you an overview of how dark chocolate help get rid of period cramps.
And if you want to find out what's the best dark chocolate during period cramps, then you have come to the right section.
But, Let us understand how dark chocolate helps during period.
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How does Dark Chocolate help relieve period cramps?
Chocolate contains a substance called phenylethylamine, which is similar to endorphins and adrenaline. These chemicals help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstruation.
There are several studies that have looked at the health benefits of chocolate, and they’ve found that moderate intake has positive effects on blood pressure and heart health.
A Study of 50 menstruation teens at an Indonesian Boarding School looked at the Effects of dark chocolate versus milk chocolate on period cramps. (Read Here)
The findings revealed that those who had up to 40 gm. of 69% dark chocolate daily for the first three days following menstruation experienced much less menstrual discomfort than those who consumed 40 grammes of chocolate milk daily for the same period of time.
Likewise, another study by Indian University classified 90 students into three groups: those who ate 120 gm. of dark chocolate per day for three days following menstruation, those who drank 120 gm. of milk chocolate per day during that time, and those who drank no chocolate during that time.
According to the findings, the milk chocolate group experienced minor improvements in menstruation discomfort, whereas the dark chocolate group experienced the most improvement. (Read more about the study here)
Benefits of having Dark Chocolates
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. They are rich in antioxidants and antiaging ingredients.
Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can aid in weight loss. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which help to boost metabolism and burn calories quickly. Dark chocolate can also help to suppress hunger on certain occasions.
Also Read: Dark vs. Milk: Best Chocolate for Periods
Here are some more benefits of having Dark Chocolates
1. Stressbuster
Studies have shown that eating an ounce and a half of dark chocolate reduces your stress hormones. You can have dark chocolate since you face mood swings and other misbalances during your period.
2. Relieves menstrual cramps
As mentioned before, dark chocolate can be used for treating menstrual cramps in women. If you have been facing severe dysmorphia, try having dark chocolate because it contains Vitamin A, C, B1, etc., and is rich in minerals like potassium as well.
3. Boost in energy
Just because you are having your periods, your daily life wouldn’t stop. You are a modern-day woman, after all. If you want that extra dose of energy, then you must go for dark chocolate. It can act as your energy bar. Since it contains caffeine, it is a natural energy elevator.
4. Dark Chocolate is Rich in Iron and Vitamin
Of the three types of chocolate, dark chocolate contains more iron than milk and white chocolates. Dark chocolate is also rich in magnesium and copper. A bar of dark chocolate provides you with about 25 % of your daily requirement for vitamin B6, as well as a significant amount of thiamin (vitamin B1).
5. It improves Skin Health
The effects of the Dark Chocolate on skin health were investigated by a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study. The study involved 30 healthy volunteers aged between 25 and 50 years. During the first phase of the study, participants were randomly allocated to consume either dark chocolate or white chocolate for 8 weeks.
After 8 weeks there was significantly greater improvement in skin hydration levels measured after dark chocolate consumption compared with white chocolate.
Dark Chocolate and Magnesium
The role of magnesium in reducing pain is very clear and this is the reason why you can have a bite or two of dark chocolate every few hours during your periods.
Magnesium content in dark chocolate is relatively high, with 176 mg per 100 g consumption. This is roughly half of your daily intake.
Another fact is that copper is also found in dark chocolate, which is also said to ease cramps. Other than chocolate, you can also try a few other food items that can ease your pain, such as bananas, avocados, leafy veggies, whole grains, yoghurt, nuts and seeds, chicken, and tofu.
It is better to get comfort from food items instead of taking harsh medicines or drugs in order to ease this pain.
You can also make yourself warm beverages like ginger tea or turmeric tea. Trust us, it works wonders. A bowl of curd works wonders as well. You can also read about eating curd during periods.
What Food should you eat during your periods?
When you are on your period, it is best to avoid dairy products and spicy foods. These types of foods can irritate the uterus and cause cramps. Instead, eat a light breakfast such as oatmeal or cheese. You should also drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
You can also eat eggs. Eggs are high in protein, which helps maintain healthy bones and a good metabolism during menstruation.
Recommended Read: Can we eat Mango during Periods »
Milk vs. Dark Chocolate – Do milk chocolates help with the cramps?
Milk chocolate and dark chocolate both contain cocoa butter, sugar, and cocoa solids, but dark chocolate contains less added sugar and fat than milk or white chocolate.
Although milk chocolate is delicious, it comes nowhere close to dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is the healthiest option because it contains more cocoa than milk chocolate.
Dark Chocolate contains Magnesium, which helps relieve period cramps and pain.
Welcome happy chemicals with Dark chocolate
Chemicals like neurotransmitters are released into the brain, which sends signals to the nervous system. Serotonin boosts your mood as well as act as a natural painkiller. You can even beat your bloating with dark chocolate as it has a high percentage of potassium.
You will witness that you feel less lethargic, irritated, or sluggish. Moreover, periods come with our worst friend - acne. And dark chocolate is said to be great for your skin.
It detoxifies your body as well. You will even get an additional layer of UV light protection.
Dark chocolate also carries iron, one of the most important nutrients that your body needs. Your iron deficiency will reduce with time if you eat dark chocolate from the first to the third day of your period.
We have compiled a list of questions, which we often get asked on various forums. Hope answers to these questions would help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on eating Dark Chocolates while on Periods
Q.: How Much Dark Chocolate can I eat a Day?
Ans: According to studies, eating a modest 30 to 50 gm. bar of dark chocolate every day is beneficial to your health.
Q: Does Dark Chocolate Make Your Period Heavy?
Dark Chocolates help you alleviate your Bad Mood and Cramps. But, there have been some instances where they trigger the period flow.
Q: Which Chocolate Is Best for Periods?
There are plenty of brands available. We would recommend you to keep these as your best pals.
- Amul Dark Chocolate
- Cadbury Bournville
- Kit Kat Dark 70%
- Godiva Dark Chocolate
- Hershey’s Special Dark
Q: What foods make you bleed more during your period?
A: Avoid Honey, Coffee, Dairy Products and Beetroot. These foods are generally known to increase your blood flow during periods.
Q: Is Amul dark chocolate good for periods?
A: Yes! Treat yourself with Amul Dark Chocolates as it is one of the popular brands found in every store in India.
Q: Is Diary Milk dark chocolate?
A: No.Diary milk contains Milk Chocolate. The taste of Diary milk is sweet whereas Dark chocolate tastes a little bitter. The Cocoa content is generally high in Dark Chocolates.
Q: What dark chocolate is Sugar-free?
A: You can buy yourself the Amul Sugar Free Dark Chocolate and treat yourself during your period.
Q: Is Bournville real dark chocolate?
A: Cadburys puts very less amount of Cocoa in Bournville which is about 36%. That's why it is not a pure dark chocolate.
Considering all of these, Can I eat Dark Chocolate on my Periods?
Yes. Looking at all these benefits we have discussed dark chocolate has these amazing mood-boosting powers. Apart from all these reasons, dark chocolate can be your friend because it is considered an iron-rich food, which improves your skin texture with time, prevents premature ageing, reduces scars, heals skin damage, controls inflammation, etc.
The happy chemicals will help you during that time. If you are wondering about which chocolate is best for periods, you have the answer now!
Let us know if you liked our content. Comment below if you have any questions for us.
2 comments
So informative. Now I am convinced that I need dark chocolates 🍫
I can relate to this article. I always keep Dark Chocolates with me and it works wonders. keeps me full.
Come up with more of these…..