Benefits of Cacao: Magnesium, Antioxidants and Maternity

A natural source of magnesium and iron to help reduce tiredness

Raw cacao beans are among the richest food sources of magnesium, iron and B vitamins, which contribute to reducing tiredness and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. A valuable asset for mothers dealing with low energy levels on a daily basis, particularly in the postpartum period.

Antioxidants, flavonoids and pleasure in the service of mood

Rich in flavanols, flavonoids and theobromine, cacao brings a comforting sweetness to everyday life. Several scientific studies suggest that its antioxidant properties may contribute to a more positive state of mind and support skin health, making it a welcome ally during moments of emotional fatigue.

Tolerance and versatility

consumed for millennia in Central America and then across the world, cocoa is easily incorporated into a daily routine in the form of cocoa powder, raw cacao nibs, chocolate spread, or dark chocolate. A few tablespoons a day or a square of chocolate is enough to enjoy its benefits, consumed in moderation.

Origin and description

Cocoa comes from the beans of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), native to Central America and cultivated in equatorial regions, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire.

Its rich composition of active compounds includes flavanols, flavonoids, theobromine, magnesium, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fibre. This wealth of minerals, blood vitamins, and polyphenols makes it a precious ingredient for supporting everyday vitality, particularly beneficial for mothers in the postpartum period, during breastfeeding, or during phases of cycle-related fatigue. The form and quality of the cocoa largely determine its properties: minimally processed organic raw cocoa retains its minerals and antioxidants better than heavily heat-treated cocoa.

In its natural form, cocoa can be found in dark chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, crushed raw cocoa nibs, high-cocoa spreads, cocoa butter in cooking, and many traditional recipes. It appears in certain snacks, granolas, and traditional hot drinks such as Spanish hot chocolate, Mexican mole, and hot cocoa. Its close relative, carob, shares similar aromas without the caffeine. The bioavailability of its minerals, vitamins, and flavonoids depends largely on the manufacturing process: organic raw cocoa retains more of these than processed cocoa.

A few tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate can help top up your intake of magnesium, iron, and calcium. Intakes remain variable depending on the cocoa percentage, the quality of the bean, and the quantity consumed.

As a food supplement and functional snack, cocoa comes in several forms: defatted or non-defatted cocoa powder, cocoa butter, raw cocoa nibs, as well as in combination with other targeted active ingredients for maternity. Choosing a high-quality organic raw cocoa from traceable supply chains allows you to benefit from an interesting content of magnesium for maternity, in flavonoids and antioxidants. This is the choice made by Jolly Mama in several snacks designed for maternity :

Crazy Nut

Cacao: 10%
Format: DHA hazelnut spread

Mamaload

Cacao: 37%
Format: marine collagen + vitamin C

Broonies Magnésium

Cacao: 8%
Format: magnesium bite-sized snacks

How to choose a good cocoa: look for the raw label, a percentage above 70% for chocolates, organic origin, bean traceability, and the absence of additives.

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Broonies magnesium

Chocolate snack enriched with magnesium

5 bites of 15g

Highly absorbed magnesium glycerophosphate

For everyone

from

7,65€
10€

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Cho-chocolat

Snacks chocolat pour l'allaitement

12 snacks de 45g avec DHA

Soutient la lactation grâce au fenugrec

Breastfeeding

from

20,96€
29€
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Choconut power

Chocolate plant-based protein powder

5g of protein per serving (30 servings)

Formula with no added sugars, no additives, sweeteners or preservatives

For everyone

from

28,18€
39€

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Granochoc

Granola enrichi en fer chocolat coco

Sans effet secondaire classique des compléments de fer

50% des besoins journaliers couverts pour 100g de granola

For everyone

from

10,20€
15€

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Natural support against fatigue
Its richness in magnesium, iron, and B vitamins contributes to reducing fatigue and supporting normal energy metabolism on a daily basis.
Nervous system comfort
The magnesium it provides contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and supports balance in the face of emotional demands.
Pleasure, mood and skin support
Its flavonoids, antioxidant polyphenols and theobromine may contribute to a more positive state of mind and to supporting the skin on a daily basis.
Heart support and blood pressure
Raw cacao is one of the foods richest in flavanols, which may contribute to supporting blood circulation and maintaining normal blood pressure.
Recovery and muscle function
The magnesium and calcium it provides contribute to normal muscle function, which is useful for the body's recovery after childbirth.

How does it work? (The science bit)

Cocoa works through a combination of minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Its magnesium content is one of its key strengths: this mineral contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and the maintenance of normal muscle function. A serving of unsweetened cocoa — a few tablespoons or a square of dark chocolate — can help top up intakes of magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins, which are useful for mothers in the postpartum period and during breastfeeding.

The flavanols in cocoa, antioxidant polyphenols, may contribute to cardiovascular comfort and mood. Several clinical studies have highlighted a favourable effect on blood pressure and blood vessels, linked to support for blood circulation and a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. These properties may also contribute to supporting skin and brain health. Theobromine, the main alkaloid in cocoa, has a gentle effect on alertness, more moderate than that of caffeine. In products such as Mamaload and Broonies Magnésium by Jolly Mama, organic raw cocoa is combined with carefully chosen active ingredients to support everyday vitality.

Key takeaway: Organic raw cocoa is one of the best dietary sources of magnesium, iron, and antioxidant flavonoids. It supports energy levels, mood, and cardiovascular comfort. Choose minimally processed cocoa to preserve its polyphenols, and limit your total caffeine intake to 300 mg/day during pregnancy.

Our sources

Yes, raw cacao beans are among the richest food sources of magnesium and also provide iron, calcium and B vitamins, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. A few squares of dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa, a tablespoon of organic raw cacao powder or a square of chocolate is enough to top up your intake, particularly when you're feeling run down. It's a delicious ally for your busy days as a new mum.

Organic cocoa can be part of a balanced diet during pregnancy, in reasonable amounts. It contains a small amount of caffeine and theobromine, which add to the other sources of caffeine consumed throughout the day. EFSA recommends limiting total caffeine intake to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. As a guide, one full jar of Crazy Nut, the Jolly Mama cocoa spread at 10%, provides around 50 mg of caffeine, which still leaves plenty of room for a few squares of dark chocolate, a homemade cocoa drink or recipes using two tablespoons of cocoa powder.

The majority of people tolerate cacao very well in usual quantities. At very high doses or in sensitive individuals, its properties may cause mild reflux, migraines, digestive symptoms or a stimulating effect linked to theobromine. Opt for quality organic raw cacao, in reasonable quantities, and observe your body's response to adjust as needed.

Cocoa is generally well tolerated in moderate amounts. People who are very sensitive to caffeine, those experiencing gastro-oesophageal reflux, or those taking a specific medication — for example an anticoagulant due to a risk of cardiovascular disease — may wish to seek advice from a healthcare professional. During breastfeeding, limit intake in the evening, as theobromine and caffeine can pass into breast milk and disrupt your baby's sleep.

Yes, organic raw cacao is a valuable ally for fatigue during post-partum and breastfeeding, thanks to its magnesium, iron, B vitamin, and antioxidant flavonoid content. It fits easily into a nourishing snack, for example as a snack bar, a warm drink, or homemade recipes using cacao powder. Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened cacao, and adjust the quantities to suit your current needs.

Cacao pairs naturally with other active ingredients targeting maternity. For example, it is combined with marine collagen from the Jolly Mama range in Mamaload, for skin support, or with magnesium in the Broonies.

Load more questions

Cacao: magnesium, antioxidants and everyday indulgence

Origin and description

Products containing it

Why is cocoa your maternity ally?

Natural support against fatigue

Nervous system comfort

Pleasure, mood and skin support

Heart support and blood pressure

Recovery and muscle function

How does it work? (The science bit)

Your questions, our answers.

Cacao: magnesium, antioxidants and everyday indulgence

Origin and description

Products containing it

Natural support against fatigue

Nervous system comfort

Pleasure, mood and skin support

Heart support and blood pressure

Recovery and muscle function

How does it work? (The science bit)

Your questions, our answers.

Is cacao a good source of magnesium and iron?

Can cocoa be consumed during pregnancy?

Can cacao cause digestive discomfort?

Are there any precautions to be aware of before consuming cocoa regularly?

Can cacao help during the post-partum period and while breastfeeding?

Which active ingredients can be combined with cacao?

Our other ingredients

Magnesium bisglycinate