World Chocolate Day: 6 Reasons Why Chocolate Is A Menstruator’s Best Friend

It is World Chocolate Day today, and there really is no better day to acknowledge the many benefits and joys that chocolates bring into our lives. It not only satisfies your cravings but also boasts of f health benefits for menstruators. Here are six reasons why you must have chocolate during menstrual cycles.

Relieves Period Cramps

Prostaglandins are hormone-like lipids that uterine walls release during menstruation. It causes unpleasant contractions and inflammation that result in cramps. Dark chocolate comes loaded with magnesium that is known to relax muscles.

Thus, according to Healthline, dark chocolate can relieve period cramps. Yes, you heard that right. However, many studies suggest refraining from eating dark chocolate if you get migraines.

Beats Laziness

Dark chocolate is one of the rich sources of iron. It is a vital component that women need during menstruation. An article in HealthShots says that loss of blood during periods might not make you iron deficient, but it can be associated with laziness.

Dark chocolate helps to refill the amount of iron loss and helps you overcome lethargy. The mineral is also responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.

Releases Happy Hormones

When you eat chocolate, there are neurotransmitters that are released into the brain. They carry signals around the nervous system. The signals include happy hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

Serotonin will uplift your mood, endorphins act as painkillers, and dopamine will help you feel good. Together these hormones can boost your mental and physical energy.

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Relieves Stress

According to research published in WebMD, consuming dark chocolate for two weeks has been found to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Low levels of this hormone mean less perception of stress.

The same study also stresses that eating dark chocolate helps to improve microbial activity and metabolism. It is one of the best excuses to consume chocolate irrespective of menstrual cycles.

Regulates Bloating

Along with iron and magnesium, dark chocolate also comes loaded with potassium, an electrolyte that maintains hydration and regulates sodium levels in the body. Thus, if you feel bloated during periods, here is another reason to eat dark chocolate. It will provide relief from discomfort.

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Improves Blood Flow

Many good-quality chocolates contain cocoa flavanols, a variety of nutrients known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They add antioxidants to the body that improve the blood flow and might help alleviate period cramps. Intimina's article says that these nutrients are also associated with improving cognitive activity.

Now that you are aware of all the benefits of eating chocolate during periods, you must not miss out on an opportunity to satiate your cravings for it.