Chocolate Cravings: Have you been experiencing constant chocolate cravings lately? Do you find yourself repeatedly wandering around your kitchen in search of chocolate at odd hours? Does your chocolate craving make you feel irritable? Trust us, it’s about much more than your love for chocolate. In fact, according to health experts, it could be the deficiency of a certain nutrient in your body that is giving rise to the desire to constantly eat chocolate. Mumbai-based nutritionist Rebecca Pinto explains that each food you’re craving is linked to a specific nutrient, and your craving signals the particular deficiency you’re experiencing. In case of chocolate cravings, it could be a magnesium deficiency. Does it seem surprising? Let’s learn about it in depth.
Chocolate cravings and magnesium: what’s the connection between the two?
Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sweetener, and the proportion of each ingredient varies depending on your preference. There are dark chocolate, milk chocolate, extra dark chocolate and more. While many people crave chocolate to satisfy high stress, hormonal imbalance or a sweet craving, health experts suggest that magnesium deficiency may be the cause for some people.
According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition by the American Society of Nutrition, cocoa (used in chocolate) contains high amounts of magnesium, leading researchers to question whether magnesium deficiency could be a possible reason for people’s chocolate cravings. Can. Nutritionist Namami Agarwal says, “Since magnesium can help reduce muscle spasms, many people, especially menstruating women, turn to chocolate to ease various types of pain. “
Is Chocolate a Good Choice to Prevent Magnesium Deficiency?
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition confirms that dark chocolate containing 90% cocoa is an excellent source of magnesium. In fact, a 100 gram serving of dark chocolate contains approximately 252.2 milligrams of magnesium. However, consuming 90% dark chocolate can be challenging, and as a result, many people opt for commercially available chocolate with added sweeteners. Therefore, nutritionist Rebecca Pinto suggests including magnesium-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts in your daily diet to overcome 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 amount of magnesium varies depending on a person’s age, gender and health condition. According to a report by Harvard School of Public Health, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults aged 19 to 51+ is 400-420 mg per day for men and 310-320 mg for women. However, women need about 350-360 mg of magnesium per day during pregnancy, while breastfeeding mothers need 310-320 mg. It is best to consult an expert and understand the appropriate dosage for your body type.
Remember to eat healthy and stay fit!
