Cravings are usually a sign that something is out of balance.
Why do you get food cravings?
Have you ever had a strong desire for a certain sort of food? Food cravings are a common occurrence for many people, and they can often feel overwhelming. While cravings may sometimes indicate a nutrient deficiency, they can also be influenced by psychological and environmental factors. In this article, we will explore what different food cravings might mean and suggest healthier alternatives to satisfy those cravings.
Common Cravings And What They Mean
Here are the Nutritional reasons behind 8 common cravings
1.What deficiency causes Chocolate Cravings?
Well, chocolate is one of the most favourite foods we hear about. It is packed with sweet, fat from cocoa butter and rich in antioxidants and minerals. Cocoa contains magnesium. So, if you’re craving chocolate that ultimately means your body needs a dose of magnesium.
Chocolate craving could also mean your body is deficient in copper, vitamin B, and essential fatty acids.
Magnesium Deficiency: What To Eat
• Dark chocolate, Raw Cacao
• Avocados
• Cashews, Almonds
• Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli
2.What deficiency causes Salty Food Cravings?
A strong desire for salty foods might indicate an electrolyte imbalance. When you’re craving salty snacks like chips or fries, you may well be deficient in sodium. Called HYPONATREMIA, sodium deficiency is a reasonably common nutritional issue
And it most frequently affects pregnant women and the elderly. Though this deficiency is rare. It also means that you are dehydrated, so drink plenty of water regularly.
Sodium Deficiency: What To Eat
• Pickles, Fermented Foods
• Salted nuts, Nut Butter
• Seeds
• Celery
• Olives
• Cottage Cheese
3.What deficiency causes Sugar Cravings?
Craving sweets can be a sign that you are lacking in chromium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, sulfur, and maybe your blood sugar level is out of control, Low blood sugar called HYPOGLYCAEMIA.
In addition, sugar cravings also mean you aren’t experiencing enough joy—that’s why the body craves sweetness. Because sugary foods raise the levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, and you tend to feel good. Chromium plays a key role in blood sugar regulation.
Chromium Deficiency: What To Eat
• Asparagus, Sweet potato
• Kale, Spinach
• Raisins, Cranberries, Cinnamon
• Oatmeal
• Pumpkins seeds, Sunflower seeds
• Grapes, Apples
• Beans, Lentils
4.What deficiency causes Red Meat Cravings?
Cravings for red meat might indicate a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12. If you find yourself craving red meat, consider incorporating iron-rich foods with B vitamins into your diet.
If left unchecked, deficiency in iron can cause anemia, so adding this essential nutrient to your diet is a great way to beat meat cravings and defend your long-term health.
Iron Deficiency: What To Eat
• Organic grass-fed meat, Lean poultry
• Spinach
• Lentils
• Tofu, Dairy products
• Whole grains
• Eggs
5.What deficiency causes Cheese or Dairy Cravings?
If you find yourself constantly craving cheese or other dairy products, there’s a significant chance that you’re calcium levels might be low, called HYPOCALCEMIA. While minor, short-term cases of hypocalcemia are usually benign.
Remaining deficient in calcium can cause tooth decay, neurological damage, or osteoporosis. It might be best to go with your instincts on this one and simply consume more dairy products since they’re among nature’s best sources of calcium.
Calcium Deficiency: What To Eat
• Dark leafy greens, Broccoli
• Yoghurt
• Soybean, Coconut meat
• Almonds, Brazil nuts
• Celery, Asparagus
• Pumpkin seeds
6.What deficiency causes Fatty and Oily foods Cravings?
Craving for fat and fatty foods may be caused by low daily fat intake. Fat is an essential nutrient in healing and replacing cells in your body and it’s vital component in many other bodily functions.
Fat savings may also mean that your daily calcium intake is too low. You should consume omega-3 & calcium rich foods.
Omega-3 Deficiency: What To Eat
• Tuna, Salmon, Sardines
• Walnuts
• Avocado
• Leafy greens
• Hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
7.What deficiency causes Soda Cravings?
Most likely your craving for soda is more of an emotional eating issue. However, soda can suck calcium from your bones. Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body.
If you’re lacking calcium, try getting calcium rich foods, mentioned above.
8.What deficiency causes Bread and Toast Cravings?
Bread is the most popular carbohydrate source we eat on a regular basis and pasta (made out of refined flour) is also on the list. When there is a constant urge of eating something made of bread like pizza, it is a clear indication that your body needs nitrogen.
If nitrogen loss is greater than nitrogen intake, a negative nitrogen balance is created within the body, thus you crave for foods like bread and toast. Carb cravings can also indicate blood sugar fluctuations.
Nitrogen Deficiency: What To Eat
• Oatmeal
• Leafy green vegetables
• Nuts
• Legumes
• Apple, Pear, Citrus fruits
• Chia seeds
Food cravings can offer insights into potential nutrient imbalances, but they are not always reliable indicators of specific deficiencies. Cravings are frequently impacted by a mix of physiological, psychological, and environmental variables. Focus on a balanced and diverse diet that includes a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods to support general well-being and meet any nutrient shortages.
STRUGGLING WITH FOOD CRAVINGS?
If you are experiencing recurring cravings or have questions about your diet, speaking with a professional nutritionist may give personalised advice and ensure you are reaching your nutritional needs.
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