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Does craving chocolate mean you need magnesium?

Does craving chocolate mean you need magnesium?

When it comes to chocolate, it is common knowledge that the craving signifies a deficiency in magnesium. Since cacao is considered the food with the highest amount of magnesium per gram, it comes as no surprise that chocolate is the first thing we reach for when we encounter such a deficiency.

What stops chocolate cravings?

You can beat your chocolate craving by filling up on something else. Once you aren’t hungry anymore, the intrusive thoughts about chocolate should subside. Look for foods that are low in sugar and high in protein or whole grains. These foods will keep you full longer and prevent a sugar crash.

How much magnesium stops sugar cravings?

The recommended dosage of supplemental magnesium is 200 to 400 milligrams per day.

What are the symptoms of low magnesium in the body?

Common symptoms include:

  • Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
  • Convulsions.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle spasms or cramps.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Numbness.

Why does a chocolate craving mean you need magnesium?

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. 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.

Is magnesium deficiency the cause of your chocolate cravings?

Those who believe that nutrient deficiencies cause cravings often propose that chocolate cravings result from a magnesium deficiency , while savory foods are often linked to insufficient intakes of sodium or protein. However, there is little evidence to support gender differences in the risk of deficiency for any of these nutrients.

What causes chocolate cravings?

One reason why many women and men sometimes crave chocolate is because their blood sugar levels have fallen and chocolate provides a hit of sugar for quick energy. If you find yourself feeling moody, irritable, shaky and fatigued, especially between meals, then your chocolate cravings may be the result of low blood sugar levels.

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