Suffering from menstrual cramps or period pain is sadly common for teenage girls and adult women.
Unsurprisingly, there are many ways to reduce the severity of cramps and some consider eating chocolate.
But is it really effective? Can you eat chocolate during your periods? How does chocolate relieve period pain?
Dark chocolate contains magnesium and a chopper that helps relieve period pain and keeps a woman healthy and active. Read on to learn the details.
Can You Eat Chocolate On Your Periods?
Of course, you can eat chocolate regularly during periods to ease menstrual pain. In this case, dark chocolate is more effective than milk chocolate.
The following are some exciting benefits of eating chocolate during this period:
Chocolate Help Cramp
Eating chocolate can help ease period cramps and related pain for some woman. The research found that eating 40 grams of dark chocolate for the first three days after menstruation lowers menstrual pain significantly compared to eating 40 grams of chocolate milk.
In addition, eating milk chocolate ensures mild improvement in menstrual pain, while dark chocolate delivers the best improvement.
Chocolate Has Beneficial Nutrients
Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which can effectively relax muscles and ease uterine contractions and pain related to pain.
Despite this, magnesium slows down the making of prostaglandins, which supports contractions.
And a woman with a lower blood level of magnesium experiences more painful periods. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is richer in magnesium, hence reducing period pain more effectively.
In general, one ounce of 70 to 85% dark chocolate has around 15% of the DV of magnesium, compared to the 4% of the DV milk chocolate.
One ounce of dark chocolate contains 56% of the DV of mineral copper.
This copper can reduce period pain, and the body uses this ingredient to create pain-relieving chemicals to ease menstrual cramps.
Consuming around 40–120 grams of dark chocolate regularly during a period can reduce pain.
So, Should You Eat Chocolate During Periods?
Yes, any teenage or adult woman can consume chocolate during her periods. The estrogen hormone level in the body changes during periods and causes mood swings.
During this time, our bodies release cortisol and serotonin to balance it. Sugar, carbs, and salts are essential for the secretion of serotonin, which you can get by eating chocolates during this period.
The main ingredients of dark chocolate are magnesium, copper, potassium, and iron, which uplift the mood.
Conversely, milk chocolate is filled with excess calories and causes weight gain. So, compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is more effective during periods.
Wondering how much chocolate can you eat during your period? You should consume less than 42 gms, or 1.5 ounces, of chocolate during the period.
Eating more chocolate than this amount can cause difficulties like nausea, weight gain, and indigestion.
Final Words
Hope now you know whether can you eat chocolate on your period or not. Cramps and period pain can range from mild to severe and cause discomfort during daily activities.
Though many foods can help relieve this pain, dark chocolate is highly beneficial to it. Its magnesium and copper effectively reduce period pain.
The other foods that ease period pain and cramps are vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Apart from that, always stay hydrated and maintain your energy level.
Some effective home remedies to reduce period pain are massages, heating pads, and light exercises. If neither of these options helps you, consult with your doctor.