Xocai chocolate, a brand touted as a powerful antioxidant and health food, might offer several benefits to the human body. According to a 2009 report in "The New York Times," Xocai's antioxidant capacity exceeds that of mainstream chocolate brands. MXI Corp., the product manufacturer, promotes Xocai as a healthy, safe dietary supplement for general wellness. Moderate amounts of Xocai are presumably safe during all stages of pregnancy, but excessive consumption could pose a danger. Always talk to your doctor about changes to your diet.
Caffeine Content
One potential concern regarding the use of Xocai in pregnancy stems from the supplement's natural caffeine content. According to the March of Dimes, excessive caffeine exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. The March of Dimes notes that one bar of dark chocolate supplies 30 mg of caffeine. A standard Xocai "nugget," weighing roughly one-third of the amount of a chocolate bar, likely provides about 10 mg of the stimulant. Expectant mothers should reasonably limit their intake of Xocai and other potential sources of caffeine.
General Health Concerns
All chocolate, including Xocai, is high in fat and sugar. Although fats and carbohydrates are an acceptable and necessary part of any pregnancy diet, excessive amounts can be harmful. Melinda Johnson, a dietitian specializing in prenatal nutrition, notes that excessive chocolate could crowd out healthier foods and cause excessive weight gain. Dr. Cornelia Graves, an obstetrician, similarly advises that, while acceptable in moderate amounts, chocolate can be harmful in large quantities, particularly for women with gestational diabetes.
Potential Benefits
Dark chocolates such as Xocai might be beneficial to pregnant women when consumed as part of an otherwise balanced, healthy diet. A 2008 study at Yale University, later published in the medical journal "Epidemiology," found that women eating moderate amounts of chocolate experienced lower rates of the pregnancy complication preeclampsia than women not eating chocolate. Preeclampsia rates were inversely proportionate to the amount of theobromine, a stimulant found in chocolate, in the women's blood streams. Although promising, these findings were not conclusive. Further research is needed to determine if Xocai or other dark chocolates can prevent preeclampsia.
Intake Guidelines
By the recommendations offered by the March of Dimes, a healthy woman could safely eat up to 20 Xocai nuggets each day without adversely impacting her pregnancy. Women who also consume caffeine from tea, soda or coffee would need to monitor their intake of Xocai more carefully to ensure that they do not exceed the 200 mg daily caffeine limit suggested by major health organizations. When in doubt, always defer to the judgment of an obstetrician, midwife or prenatal dietitian to determine a safe and healthy prenatal diet.
References
- "The New York Times"; A Chocolate, With Amway Undertones, Networks Its Way Into New York; Michael Wilson; May 9, 2009
- March of Dimes: Caffeine in Pregnancy
- BabyCenter Expert Answers: Is it Safe to Eat a Lot of Chocolate During Pregnancy?
- Epidemiology: Chocolate Consumption in Pregnancy and Reduced Likelihood of Preeclampsia
