The Real Reason You Want Sugar: Some people are fond of eating sweets. Whenever they get a chance, they eat sweets and chocolates. Most people have a sweet tooth at some point, which is called sugar craving. If a person is experiencing frequent sugar cravings, it may be a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. Constant sugar cravings can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal changes and blood sugar imbalance.
According to health experts, a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals prompts the brain to crave immediate energy. Sweets are the easiest way to get instant energy. They contain refined sugar, which provides energy within minutes and makes people feel better. However, too much sugar is harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to understand that craving for sweets is not just a desire to eat, but a message from the body that it needs something.
Lack of these vitamins causes sugar cravings…
B vitamins, such as B1, B6, B9, and B12, are involved in the body’s energy production. When these are deficient, the body’s ability to convert food into energy slows down. In such a situation, your brain signals to eat fast energy i.e. sweets. This is why you crave sweets more often when you are tired, weak, or unable to concentrate. If you often crave sweets, it is possible that you may be deficient in B vitamins.
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, keeping insulin active and reducing stress. Its deficiency disrupts blood sugar balance, causing the brain to immediately crave sweet foods. It has also been observed that magnesium deficiency and sugar cravings are common in people who are stressed or sleep deprived. When the body is not calm and relaxed, it immediately turns to sugar for an energy source.
Chromium is a micronutrient that, along with insulin, helps stabilize blood sugar. Its deficiency can lead to frequent hunger pangs, especially sugar cravings. If a person experiences increased appetite, dizziness, or a sudden drop in energy after a short period of time, this may be a sign of a chromium deficiency. Adequate intake of chromium provides the body with balanced energy and reduces uncontrollable sugar cravings.
Both vitamin D and omega-3 are important for mood, emotions and brain balance. When these are lacking, a person may feel irritable, depressed, stressed or tired. In such situations, the body looks for a quick fix for happiness and energy, and the easiest source is sugar. This is why people with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to emotional eating. A lack of omega-3s can also increase their cravings for sweets.
How to control sweet cravings…
If you also have frequent sweet cravings, it is important that you are making your diet rich in nutrients. Include green vegetables, dry fruits, seeds, pulses, eggs, yogurt and whole grains in your diet. Get early morning sun exposure to maintain optimal vitamin D levels. To reduce stress, practice yoga, meditation and adequate sleep. If cravings persist, get checked by a doctor. Sugar cravings can be easily controlled with proper nutrition and proper habits.