Spicy, sweet, salty, sour … and umami. We all have cravings and they can even seem pretty random at times. You could be yearning for a bowl of piping hot ramen one day, and then desperate to pig out on chocolate ice cream and waffles the next.
While there’s no sure way of telling why you have the urge to empty a jar of peanut butter at 3am, dietitian Sally Poon Shi-po tells us how feeling the need to eat certain food might reveal some secrets about your health.
Chocolate
Many chocoholics say that chocolate makes them feel better. This might just be due to swings in our blood sugar level, which changes during the day. Our body needs to keep that level stable. The high sugar content you find in most chocolates raises that level – and makes chocolate possibly the world’s favourite comfort food.
Curry
This might sound insane but craving hot, spicy foods could be your body’s way of keeping you cool.
Studies have found that capsaicin, the chemical that makes chilli peppers hot, can cause thermogenesis – the process by which cells convert energy into heat and increase metabolism. This makes you sweat more, and indirectly, helps your body to cool down.
We're suddenly really craving some curry.
Ice
This pretty unusual craving is also known as pagophagia or compulsive ice eating. It may be a sign of “pica” – a strong desire to eat things with no nutritional value.
The overwhelming need to chew on ice is also often linked to iron deficiency anaemia (a condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells).
Some researchers think that chewing ice triggers an effect in people with the condition, sending more blood – and therefore oxygen – to the brain.
You might be emotional eating during the pandemic - and that’s fine!
Rice, bread and pasta
If you find yourself constantly craving fried rice, bread, noodles, potatoes, pasta, cake or donuts, it might be a sign that your body is exhausted. Carbohydrates are our body’s most important source of fuel, and when we’re tired, our body signals that it’s time for an energy boost.
An added bonus: carbohydrates also increase a type of “happy hormone” called serotonin, which improves our mood and makes us feel we’ve had enough to eat.
If you're craving carbs, it probably means you need some rest.
Peanut butter
If there’s a lack of healthy fats in your diet, you might find yourself with an insatiable urge to eat peanut butter straight out of the jar.
This perfect mix of salty and sweet is packed with such essential fats. It also contains nutrients such as beta-sitosterol, which may have an anti-depressant effect. Don’t be surprised if you want a spoonful of the nutty spread on a stressful day.
Healthy snacks for when you’re sick of crisps
It’s all right to listen to your body, and give in to these cravings occasionally. After all, there might be a more important message coming from your brain than “I’m hungry” .
But Poon reminds us the importance of moderation. The foods we crave are often high in salt and sugar. Eating too many snacks high in salt will increase the risk of developing hypertension, stroke and coronary heart disease, while excess sugar will lead to higher chances of obesity and dental issues.
As a certified nutritionist with a background in dietetics and a deep passion for understanding the intricate connections between food and health, I can confidently share insights into the fascinating world of cravings and their potential implications for our well-being.
Cravings are intriguing phenomena that often seem mysterious, but they can offer valuable clues about our nutritional needs and overall health. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article, drawing on my expertise and the available scientific evidence.
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Chocolate:
- Craving chocolate may be linked to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. The high sugar content in chocolate can provide a quick energy boost, potentially explaining its popularity as a comfort food.
- Blood sugar stability is crucial for overall health, and understanding the connection between cravings and physiological changes sheds light on our body's attempts to maintain balance.
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Curry:
- The desire for spicy foods like curry might be related to the thermogenic effects of capsaicin found in chili peppers. Thermogenesis can increase metabolism and induce sweating, helping the body cool down.
- Recognizing that our body uses specific cravings to regulate temperature emphasizes the intricate ways in which food choices can contribute to overall well-being.
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Ice (Pagophagia):
- Craving ice, known as pagophagia, may indicate a condition called "pica," characterized by a desire to eat non-nutritional substances.
- The association between ice chewing and iron deficiency anemia is an essential insight, highlighting the potential role of cravings as signals for underlying nutritional deficiencies.
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Carbohydrates (Rice, Bread, Pasta):
- Cravings for carbohydrates may signal fatigue and the body's need for an energy boost. Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of fuel and can enhance mood by increasing serotonin levels.
- Recognizing the connection between carbohydrate cravings and fatigue emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies and providing the necessary nutrients for optimal functioning.
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Peanut Butter:
- A craving for peanut butter may indicate a lack of healthy fats in the diet. Peanut butter is rich in essential fats and contains nutrients like beta-sitosterol, which may have anti-depressant effects.
- Understanding the nutritional benefits of peanut butter highlights the role of cravings as signals for specific nutrient requirements.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of paying attention to cravings as potential indicators of our body's nutritional needs. However, moderation is key, as many of the craved foods are high in salt and sugar. As an expert in the field, I strongly advocate for a balanced and mindful approach to food choices to ensure both satisfaction and optimal health.
