Chocolate is a well-loved, if not somewhat infamous, sweet treat that is widely loved the world over. When trying to eat healthier, you may find it difficult to resist the siren’s call of chocolate, but what exactly causes a chocolate craving?
A Need for Sugar
Sugar does much more than taste good to our palettes. When our bodies need to refuel and re-energize, our blood sugar may decrease, needing glucose replenishment. Glucose is a sugar that the body’s cells use and convert into energy. Chocolate is a quick and enjoyable fix to gain a short-term energy boost. The problem is that such a short and temporary fix isn’t much of a fix at all. You’ll feel your energy spike wear down and be left with a stronger craving for chocolate to try and regain that sugar high.
Relieving Stress
Another aspect that causes a chocolate craving is feelings of stress and anxiety. When under duress, bad habits like stress-eating are common to try and generate dopamine—a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we feel pleasure. Chocolate is one such food that is particularly effective thanks to its rich flavors. If you have an indomitable desire for chocolate, try to step back and think about your circumstances—you may be looking for a quick source of relief more than anything.
Magnesium Deficiency
One reason that some people crave chocolate that many aren’t aware of is magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a nutrient central in supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production. Chocolate happens to be a source of magnesium, and so you may develop a craving if your body lacks sufficient magnesium.
If you find yourself struggling to resist the temptation of chocolate, try sating your cravings with cacao shell tea! Cacao is the “raw” version of cocoa—lacking any additives or excess sugar—that tastes just as delicious and lacks the guilt.