Chocolate is REALLY good for pregnant women (science says so)

Firstly, we didn't make this one up, we swear. Secondly: eating certain types of chocolate during pregnancy actually decreases the risk of a dangerous pregnancy complication. Yes, you are reading that correctly: in small doses, chocolate is practically medicinal. In a Canadian study by researchers at Université Laval Québec City, 129 pregnant women consumed 30g of either high-flavanol or low-flavanol chocolate. The chocolate was consumed daily for 12 weeks and women were followed until delivery. The results show high-flavanol chocolate consumption decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, which affects as many as two to five per cent of pregnant women, causing high blood pressure and increased protein in urine, something that can be fatal if left undiagnosed for too long.

"This study indicates that chocolate could have a positive impact on placenta and fetal growth and development and that chocolate's effects are not solely and directly due to flavanol content," explained researcher Emmanuel Bujold, M.D.

Pregnant and craving a chocolate hit? The healthiest chocolate is high in cocoa solids (minimum 70 per cent) and low in added sugar. Try Skellig, Lindt, Valrhona and Green & Black - just stick to a square or two a day.