Which Chocolate Is Best For Migraines?
Migraines are common, affecting nearly one in five people at some point. If you get them, you know relief can be hard to find. A question many people have is whether chocolate plays a role in their migraines, and if so, which kind is best. In this post, we’ll walk through what some research suggests about chocolate and migraines.
Chocolate and Migraines
Migraine sufferers know all too well the toll these headaches can take. Beyond the intense pain, migraines can cause nausea, light sensitivity, and fatigue. Many people turn to chocolate for relief, but not all chocolate is created equal.
One study found that dark chocolate was more effective than milk chocolate at reducing migraine intensity. The flavonoids in cocoa beans have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, both of which may help reduce migraine symptoms. If you’re looking for the best type of chocolate for migraines, go for a dark variety with a high percentage of cacao — and skip the additives, excess sugar, and dairy that many mass-market bars hide.
Something we offer, the Sweet Vegan NYC Chocolate Bars ($19.99), fits under this criteria. Each bar is high-cacao dark chocolate, dairy-free, and made with all-natural ingredients — no artificial additives to work against you.
Benefits of Eating Chocolate When You Have a Migraine
When you have a migraine, the last thing you probably want to do is eat. But some foods can help ease the pain, and dark chocolate is one of them. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
It also contains a small amount of caffeine, which can help reduce pain and fatigue. On top of that, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative damage. While it’s important not to overdo it on sugar when you’re dealing with a migraine, a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate can help ease the pain — which is one more reason a clean, dairy-free bar beats a sugary drugstore candy.
How Much Chocolate Should You Eat to Prevent a Migraine?
While there’s no definitive answer as to how much chocolate is safe for migraine sufferers, it’s generally recommended that people consume no more than one ounce of chocolate per day. This amount may vary depending on your individual sensitivity to triggers. If you’re prone to migraines, it’s best to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine how much chocolate you can safely eat.
Portion control matters, which is another reason single bars or small boxes work better than a giant bar that you’ll nibble past your limit. If you’d rather keep your dark chocolate pre-portioned, the Temptation 4-PC Box ($21.99) gives you four individual dark chocolate pieces — an easy way to enjoy one measured serving at a time without overdoing it.
Can Chocolate Be Part of Your Routine During a Migraine?
Chocolate contains compounds that help release endorphins — hormones that block pain signals from the brain. It also helps constrict blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation and ease headaches. For migraine sufferers, a small serving of quality dark chocolate can be a genuinely pleasant way to find a little relief.
When a migraine hits, eating may be the last thing you want to do. Some people find a small treat comforting, and dark chocolate is a popular choice. Dark chocolate naturally contains compounds like theobromine and a small amount of caffeine, which are often discussed in relation to how the body responds to headaches.
It’s also rich in antioxidants. That said, everyone reacts differently, and chocolate is a trigger for some people, so this isn’t a remedy we can recommend as treatment. If you’re managing frequent migraines, a doctor or registered dietitian can help you sort out what actually helps you. If chocolate agrees with you, a small amount of a clean, dairy-free bar is a more mindful choice than a sugary drugstore candy.
Migraines and Chocolate: What’s the Connection?
Some studies have found that chocolate contributes to migraines in some people. Other research shows chocolate isn’t a significant factor for most migraine sufferers. So what’s the deal? The connection likely comes down to individual differences — everyone’s body reacts differently to various foods. If you suspect chocolate may be triggering your migraines, it’s worth limiting your intake to see if it makes a difference. If you’re in the camp that finds relief, keeping a quality dark chocolate stocked is a simple habit worth building.
Want to Go Deeper?
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Read about the difference between vegan and non-vegan chocolate.
Summary
If you want to give dark chocolate a try for migraine relief, start with a clean, high-cacao option you can portion easily. Our Temptation 4-PC Box ($21.99) is the perfect low-commitment place to begin: four pieces of premium, dairy-free dark chocolate made with all-natural ingredients, pre-portioned so you can enjoy one measured serving at a time.
Add the Temptation 4-PC Box to your cart and see how quality dark chocolate fits into your routine.
