An expert explained why you might be craving chocolate more than usual
According to an expert, a craving for chocolate could indicate a dietary deficiency(Image: Getty)
Craving a specific sweet treat could mean you are deficient in a certain mineral. An expert warned that having a hankering for chocolate could mean you need to adjust your diet.
The body requires certain vitamins and minerals to operate, the majority of which can be obtained through our diet. Nevertheless, we can sometimes develop deficiencies, leaving us vulnerable to potential health complications.
Magnesium is one such mineral, essential for processes including developing strong bones, controlling blood sugar, and supporting muscle and nerve operations. It can be found in plant-based foods such as pulses, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, wholegrain products, and enriched cereals.
Additionally, it’s present in fish, poultry, and beef. With this in mind, a specialist discussed with Express.co.uk an surprising indicator that you might have low magnesium levels.
Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of magnesium (Image: Getty)
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, said: “A craving for chocolate could possibly mean that the body is asking for a magnesium boost!
“Chocolate – especially the dark variety – is one of the foods containing magnesium due to its high cocoa content. The darker the chocolate, the more of the valuable mineral it contains.”
He mentioned that consuming a particular quantity of chocolate might help replenish magnesium stores. A large bar of dark chocolate can cover over 70 per cent of the daily magnesium requirement,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the sweet treat should only be consumed in moderation, because it is very high in calories. However, there are healthier alternatives such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, bananas, figs or spinach that can be used to cover the daily magnesium requirement.”
This was supported by supplement specialists Better You. On their website, they explained: “Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient.
“In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
Spinach is another dietary source of magnesium(Image: Getty)
“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.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic some of the initial signs of a magnesium deficiency are:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Stiffness
- Weakness
However, if it becomes more serious it can cause:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Numbness and tingling
- Personality changes
- Seizures
There are certain factors that can increase your risk of a magnesium deficiency. These include if you have:
- A gastrointestinal disease (like Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Alcohol use disorder
If you are over the age of 60 you are also more likely to be deficient in magnesium as the older we get, the more difficult it becomes for our bodies to absorb the mineral.
