Chocolate Cravings: Have you been experiencing constant chocolate cravings lately? Do you find yourself frequently touring your kitchen in search of chocolates at odd hours? Does your chocolate craving leave you feeling irritated? Trust us, it is more than just your love for chocolate. In fact, according to health experts, it could be a certain nutritional deficiency in your body that is leading to such constant chocolate cravings. Mumbai-based nutritionist Rebecca Pinto explains that each food item you have been yearning for is associated with a specific nutritional element, and your cravings indicate the particular deficiency you are experiencing. In the case of chocolate cravings, it could be a magnesium deficiency. Sounds surprising? Let's delve deeper into this.
Chocolate Cravings and Magnesium: What Is the Link Between the Two?
Chocolate is a blend of cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and sweetener, and the ratio of each ingredient varies based on your preference. There are dark chocolates, milk chocolates, extra dark chocolates, and more. While many crave chocolates due to high stress, hormonal imbalance, or to satisfy sweet cravings, health experts suggest that magnesium deficiency could be the reason for some.
According to research, published in the Journal of Nutrition by the American Society of Nutrition, cocoa (used in chocolates) contains a high amount of magnesium, which leads researchers to question whether magnesium deficiency could be a possible explanation for people's chocolate cravings. Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal adds, "Since magnesium can help alleviate muscle cramps, many people, especially menstruating women, tend to crave chocolates to alleviate various types of pain."
Is Chocolate a Good Option to Prevent Magnesium Deficiency?
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition confirms that dark chocolates, containing 90% cocoa, are excellent sources of magnesium. In fact, a 100-gram portion of dark chocolate contains around 252.2 mg of magnesium. However, consuming 90% dark chocolate may be challenging, and as a result, many opt for commercially available chocolates with added sweeteners. Therefore, nutritionist Rebecca Pinto suggests incorporating magnesium-enriched foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts into your daily diet to compensate for the deficiency. Click here for some of the best food sources of magnesium.
Also Read: Is Chocolate Good For You? 4 Tips To Choose The Right One
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Magnesium Dosage: How Much Should You Take Per Day?
The recommended daily allowance of magnesium varies from person to person, depending on their age, gender, and health condition. According to a report by the Harvard School of Public Health, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults aged 19 to 51+ years is 400-420 mg daily for men and 310-320 mg for women. However, during pregnancy, women require about 350-360 mg of magnesium daily, while lactating mothers require 310-320 mg. It is best to consult an expert and understand the appropriate dosage for your body type.
Remember to eat healthily and stay fit!