Why do we Crave Chocolate?
It’s night-time, you had dinner an hour ago and are thinking of going to sleep. However, a thought crosses your mind: “I fancy having some chocolate”. If this has happened to you, keep reading to find out why this happens in the first place. Trust me, we’ve all been there!
How do we experience cravings?
According to Merrian-Webster dictionary, craving is “an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing”. It can be considered more intense than just feeling like eating something, but still not as severe as an addiction, because it is possible to manage cravings.
97% of women and 68% of men report experiencing episodes of food cravings. That’s a lot of people! In the case of women, cravings are especially common during menstruation and when pregnant.
When it comes to the kind of food we crave, it’s not usually broccoli, or some greens. It’s more like a glossy donut. This is because we tend to crave carbohydrates, which cover a wide range of foods, from pasta or bread, to sweets, sugary snacks, or cereals.
It’s worth remembering that carbohydrates don’t necessarily imply that the food that contains it is unhealthy. There are plenty of healthy snacks that contain carbohydrates and that can help you go through your day feeling satisfied, for example: fresh fruit, oatmeal, nuts, or dark chocolate.
What about chocolate cravings?
It always seems to come out of nowhere, but it is the most common craving. Many people agree that chocolate is one of the most desired and enjoyed snacks, across all age groups and nationalities. Why do we crave it though? There are a few reasons for this:
Emotional comfort. It is common for people to look for a chocolate snack when they’re feeling down or stresses. Chocolate can trigger the release of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between nerve cells in your brain all the way throughout your body. It is responsible for improving the learning process, memory, and general happiness. On the other hand, a lack of serotonin can cause depression, anxiety, and other health conditions.
Desire for caffeine. A less known fact is that chocolate contains caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant, it works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes drowsiness and a feeling of tiredness, in the brain. When consumed in moderation, it can make you feel alert and refreshed, but in large doses it can increase anxiety and disrupt sleeping patterns.
Nutritional Deficiencies. Chocolate cravings could also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. For example, if someone is deficient in magnesium, which is found in chocolate, they may crave chocolate as a way to satisfy that deficiency.
Habits. Sometimes it just comes down to habits that we have acquired over time, maybe without realising. When we associate eating chocolate with a specific time of day or with certain situations, it is very likely that when we find ourselves in those situations again, the thought of eating chocolate will pop into our heads.
Social Conditioning. In some cases, when people crave chocolate it’s because it has been ingrained in their cultural or social conditioning. For instance, it’s common to associate chocolate with a reward, both as children and as adults. Also chocolate consumption is deeply linked to celebrations and social gatherings.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason is, chocolate cravings are a common occurrence and hard to ignore. So next time you find yourself in this situation, consume in moderation, but also enjoy the wonderful chocolate treats the world has to offer.
