Most of us crave chocolate, and on this chance, we will discuss about the question “Why Am I Craving Chocolate?” and something relate. Ok, Food cravings are common and everyone experiences them, including chocolate cravings. Cravings are desires that arise due to the influence of various factors. Sometimes these desires also appear suddenly and are often associated with certain nutritional deficiencies. There are also cravings due to emotional factors or even certain health conditions.
In this article, we will discuss some of the reasons behind the unique thing called “cravings”, especially related to the reasons for craving chocolate and we also complete it with how to overcome these cravings.
Why Am I Craving Chocolate
Before we look at the reasons for chocolate cravings, let’s look at the nutrients in chocolate, this is important because this is sometimes associated with certain nutritional deficiencies.
So, when someone lacks nutrients (found in chocolate), then it is very possible that someone will crave chocolate. However, we do not deny that there are other factors that cause cravings besides nutritional needs.
Nutritional Content in Chocolate
Chocolate is a food that contains many nutrients that our bodies need, such as:
- Magnesium: This is a mineral that plays a role in improving muscle and nerve function and can reduce stress.
- Antioxidants (Flavonoids): The benefits of antioxidants are fighting free radicals that can cause various dangerous diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and others.
- Caffeine and Theobromine: The benefits are to provide energy and stamina and increase focus.
- Serotonin: Dark chocolate also contains serotonin which functions to improve mood and reduce stress. So, if you crave chocolate, especially dark chocolate, it could be a sign that you are lacking one of the nutrients above. This is one of the causes and there are many other causes.
Below we see one by one what are the causes or scientific reasons behind chocolate cravings.
Causes and Reasons for Craving Chocolate
1. Magnesium Deficiency
As we know, that chocolate is a food rich in magnesium which is very important for normal body function. So, when someone is deficient in magnesium, they will feel the desire to eat chocolate because chocolate provides this nutrient.
2. Emotional and Psychological Effects
When eating chocolate, we often feel comfortable and happy. When stressed or anxious, our bodies will crave chocolate so that the stress can be reduced.
3. Sugar Dependence
If you like sugar, of course you will like chocolate which tastes sweet and delicious. Sugar provides an instant energy boost and can increase the release of dopamine in the brain which will give birth to a temporary feeling of happiness.
4. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are also one of the causes of chocolate cravings. Usually, this happens when women menstruate or when they are pregnant. Well, these hormonal changes will change a person’s mood and their soul is awakened to eat chocolate because this food is good for improving mood.
5. Fast Energy Needs
Tiredness is a condition when someone lacks certain nutrients in their body such as sugar, carbohydrates, etc. When someone experiences this, they need instant energy to be able to regain energy and this can be obtained from chocolate. So, the body suddenly craves chocolate to get instant energy.
6. Habit Factor
Another cause of craving chocolate is due to habit factors. It’s the same as craving shrimp or craving corn, it’s very natural if someone has tasted the deliciousness of corn or shrimp in the past. This will make them crave the food when they see or smell it.
This also happens with chocolate, someone sometimes craves chocolate not because of a lack of nutrition, not because of hormones, but because chocolate has become a food they liked in the past. When you are used to chocolate, then at certain times you will definitely crave chocolate.
How to Overcome Craving Chocolate
If craving chocolate is indeed a natural thing, but if someone continuously craves chocolate, then how do you overcome it? So, below are some things you should know about how to overcome this problem, especially if you think that cravings are already bothering you.
1. Fulfill your body’s nutrition
If you crave chocolate and want to prevent it, then you must fulfill your body’s nutrition, especially those in chocolate such as magnesium, and others. If this craving arises due to a lack of nutrition, then when you fulfill all those nutrients, then you can easily prevent cravings that might bother you.
2. Manage stress
Stress is one of the causes of chocolate cravings, so manage stress by exercising such as yoga, and meditation. both will make the body more relaxed and free from stress. So, gradually your cravings will disappear.
Healthy Alternatives
If you crave chocolate but don’t want to consume it because of something with your health. Then, you can try other foods that contain magnesium or nutrients like those in chocolate. So, one alternative to chocolate is nuts and seeds.
Then, regulate your diet. A good, regular diet will keep your body’s sugar levels stable, preventing cravings.
The important thing to note is, when you crave chocolate, you don’t need to worry, you can follow the desire as you wish, you just need to limit it. That is, consumption is only within normal limits and not excessive.
Conclusion
Craving for a food such as chocolate is common and experienced by anyone and this is influenced by various factors such as magnesium deficiency, emotional effects, or because of the need for energy.
After we pay attention to the causes, we will be able to easily manage the cravings.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Craving Chocolate
Does craving chocolate indicate a magnesium deficiency?
It could be because chocolate is a food rich in magnesium. Craving chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be a sign that your body needs more of the mineral.
Is chocolate good for your health?
Of course, chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has many benefits for heart health, and brain health and improves mood when consumed in reasonable amounts.
How to overcome for craving chocolate while on a diet?
If you have cravings, you can prevent them by consuming seafood rich in magnesium or similar nutrients (as found in chocolate), or you can consume low-sugar chocolate.
Do pregnant women craving chocolate more often?
Yes, pregnant women experience hormonal changes which can increase the desire to eat chocolate.
Are there any side effects if you consume too much chocolate?
Of course, any type of food if consumed excessively, of course there are side effects, including eating too much chocolate. Among the bad effects of eating too much chocolate is a significant increase in blood sugar levels which can increase weight.
