But, did you know that chocolate is actually linked to a nutrient that over 80 percent of Americans are deficient in? Magnesium. A deficiency in magnesium may play a role in some intense cravings. Our magnesium intake in this country has dropped dramatically below the recommended 500 mg daily amount.
This is most likely because chocolate is high in magnesium. When the body is low or deficient in a particular mineral, it can cause the body to crave foods that are high in what it needs. So if you are finding yourself reaching for the chocolate a lot, maybe magnesium supplementation is the way to go for you.
Cocoa is really nutrient dense with magnesium, iron and fiber. If you follow a plant-based diet, you might be craving chocolate if you're anemic or low in iron. Chocolate has a small amount of iron, but it's easy for your body to access.
When it comes to chocolate, it is common knowledge that the craving signifies a deficiency in magnesium. Since cacao is considered the food with the highest amount of magnesium per gram, it comes as no surprise that chocolate is the first thing we reach for when we encounter such a deficiency.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also a reason for increased sugar cravings. Eating a bowl of fresh homemade curd can help you with this.
Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. So, try eating a good quality dark chocolate bar (preferably organic and above 70 per cent cocoa) which is a rich source of magnesium, or try a magnesium supplement to see if your cravings subside.
Supplements of magnesium can reduce sugar craving and help stabilise blood sugar levels[1]. If you have Type 2 diabetes or Pre-diabetes you are more likely to have low magnesium levels[2, 3].
Chocolate creates addiction-like cravings. It's mainly the sugar that causes this - when we eat it, our brain releases dopamine (the brain's pleasure chemical). It's a part of our in-built reward system that kept us from starving back in the day.
Other factors that can play a role include psychological stress, medications, hormone imbalances, and health conditions. It's not unusual to crave carbs, sugar, and chocolate when you are stressed or dealing with depression.
Ooey gooey Cheese — and other types of dairy — cravings may mean that your body is in need of more Vitamin A or D (most of us have a Vitamin D deficiency, after all).
A magnesium deficiency can result in sugar cravings — especially cravings for chocolate. You may also experience muscle cramps, increased stress, and trouble sleeping. The mineral chromium, like magnesium and zinc, also plays a part in sugar and insulin regulation.
B complex vitamins, a group of eight B vitamins that are essential for our energy and metabolism, also help curb sugar cravings. B vitamins help us efficiently process food, reducing the need for that quick hit of sugar for energy. B vitamins are also crucial for regulating the nervous system.
Drink water: Sometimes, cravings can be mistaken for thirst. Drinking water can help you feel full and may decrease the desire to eat chocolate. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and try to eat slowly and consciously, savouring each bite.
We may use magnesium glycinate to improve blood sugar levels or to help reduce overall inflammation in the body. This form of magnesium is less likely to have a laxative effect than magnesium citrate.
A chocolate addict may start by putting a limit on how much chocolate they are going to eat per day or week. If needed, a person may completely cut chocolate out of their diet and look for alternative snacks that are lower in sugar and fat.
Estrogen and progesterone were both found to influence cravings when the women in the study were on their periods. Estrogen was the hormone linked with increased cravings for carbohydrate-rich food—progesterone linked with higher consumption of sugary foods.
What deficiency causes sugar cravings? Lacking magnesium affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and deliver energy into the cells which can instigate sugar cravings. Eat more magnesium rich foods like raw nuts, seeds, avocados, cacao, leafy greens, and bananas.
Mineral deficiencies might be another reason for your sweet tooth. An iron deficiency will leave you with very low energy and may be a reason for your sugar cravings because the body will crave quick energy to boost itself up. Iron supplements may help fight fatigue and other symptoms of iron deficiency.
Stage 1 is decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Stage 2 is low concentration of vitamin B12 in the cell and metabolic abnormalities. Stage 3 is increased levels of homocysteine and MMA and decreased DNA synthesis resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Stage 4 is macrocytic anemia.