Your body may be trying to tell you something.
It’s the dreaded 4pm slump. Reach for the chocolate bar in your desk drawer or get an extra slice of chocolate cake at the office party to get some extra energy by dinner time. not.
And we don’t blame you. Most people find themselves addicted to chocolate, and that desire can be traced back to our ancestors.
Dr. Mindy Haar, PhDHe is a registered dietitian and nutritionist and one of the Vice Presidents of the New York Institute of Technology School of Health.
She said, “Sensitivity to sweet taste allowed individuals to distinguish between fruits that were at peak freshness and vitamin and mineral content. Enjoying fat encouraged people to eat high-fat foods. increased their chances of surviving in times of food shortage.”
Most of us are fortunate enough to have access to nutrient-dense foods at all times, but Dr. Haar says the food industry is creating foods like chocolate that bolster our innate cravings for sugar and fat. I say yes. — it’s irresistible.
Tracee Yablon Brenner RD, HHC, CLTThe outpatient holistic dietitian project coordinator at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, adds that when someone eats dark chocolate, it releases mood-boosting chemicals along with endorphins that help keep anxiety and stress at bay. increase.
In other words? That elation you experience after eating chocolate isn’t just in your head. It’s very real, and for thousands of years we’ve been wired to experience it. Read these possible causes to discover how to eat chocolate with your health in mind.
Causes of chocolate cravings
1. Sugar Cravings
One of the biggest reasons you crave chocolate should come as no surprise. Your craving for sweets is in full swing and chocolate is the only thing that can satisfy your cravings. Haar says one of the most likely reasons why he’s experiencing chocolate cravings is that he’s chock-full of chocolate cravings for two sugars and fat.
2. Magnesium deficiency
As Yabulon Brenner points out, many people tend to be magnesium deficient, so your craving for chocolate is actually making you need more of this essential nutrient that aids in energy production and muscle function. It may be a signal from the body of
Yablon Brenner states that healthy adult men should generally consume 400 to 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium daily, while healthy adult women should consume 310 to 320 mg daily. You can achieve this with naturally magnesium-rich supplements and foods such as pumpkin seeds, avocados, beans, nuts, and leafy green vegetables, but you may also be craving dark chocolate, which is a good source of magnesium. I can’t.
“If you’re experiencing anxiety, sleep problems, or muscle pain, it’s a good idea to have your magnesium levels checked by a healthcare professional to see what else is going on.
Related: 20 foods high in magnesium. Getting this essential nutrient from your diet is easier than you think.
3. Hormonal changes
Do you feel like having a pint of chocolate ice cream when PMS strikes? Hormonal changes often lead to chocolate cravings.
“Hormonal changes due to stress, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. may be the reason you crave chocolate, but more likely it’s a craving for delicious foods high in sugar and fat,” Haar says. say.
4. Hypoglycemia
you are hungry you haven’t eaten in hours And you are starting to feel dizzy. “Chocolate” may be the only word that comes to mind at that moment.
That hypoglycemia can absolutely fuel your chocolate cravings. .”
Related: New craving alert!Here’s everything you need to know about vegan chocolate
5. A Regular Chocolate Habit
Our bodies and minds memorize and adopt daily habits, whether they are beneficial or not. And one of your habits might just be eating chocolate regularly.
Haar said some research suggests that chocolate consumption may become habitual and follow an addiction model with brain chemicals.
6. Low mood
Yablon Brenner says it’s natural to crave chocolate to relieve stress, improve mood, and reduce anxiety.
Related: The Science of Stress: What Happens in Our Bodies When We Are Stressed?
Choose chocolate wisely
Reach for chocolate if that’s what you really want. Withholding desirable foods from your diet exponentially increases your chances of cave-in and perhaps overeating. It can have negative effects on your overall health, ranging from risk for conditions.However, chocolate can absolutely be eaten in moderation.
“A lot of people really love and crave chocolate, but the variety and quality makes a big difference,” says Yabron Brenner, who adds that chocolate contains polyphenols, or plants that provide many benefits, such as improving the heart. He added that it is rich in compounds found in the base food. health and brain function.but that’s all about Which The chocolate I chose to take advantage of the polyphenols.
“Indulging in raw, minimally-processed cacao is delicious and helps with many health conditions,” says Yablon Brenner. It contains high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may help with your health. Contains polyphenols.
Next time you go to the grocery store, look out for raw cacao nibs that can be blended into smoothies, or look for dark chocolate bars that contain at least 70% cocoa.
Haar also enjoys the taste of cacao without the added fat by eating mini chocolate bars instead of the regular size, or by sprinkling unsweetened cocoa powder and a teaspoon or two of cocoa powder. We have suggested other ways to fix chocolate, such as you can. Thaw fresh frozen blueberries, chunks of fresh melon, or canned pineapple in your own juice. Hmmm!
next, Discover 15 healthy and delicious chocolate recipes.
