Nutrition Hint--What Your Cravings Are Trying To Tell You
CHOCOLATE AND SWEETS
'Cravings for these are usually down to a psychological desire for a food that makes you feel better and gives a short-term ''fix''. Dark chocolate contains magnesium, antioxidants and iron - so there is unquestionably some nutritional benefit,' says nutritionist Zoe Harcombe.
PIZZA, PASTA, CHIPS
'It may be an example of wheat intolerance in the case of pizza and pasta - ironically if we're intolerant of things we crave them,' suggests Harcombe.
'One theory is that if we don't digest or absorb foods properly, we desire them more as the body isn't getting what it needs from the food. For instance, diabetics can't regulate their blood sugar, leading to low energy levels. But if the condition is uncontrolled they crave sugary foods, as the body believes it isn't getting enough.'
FISH
Should you crave salmon, it could be a need for Omega3 fats.
'Some new evidence suggests that taste receptors respond to certain fatty acids,' says Dr Gibson.
'Maybe our system is aware of their presence. Tuna could be a need for salt - especially in a low-fat dieter who eats lots of fruit and vegetables but little meat or fish and is getting little sodium,' says Harcombe.
'Dieters are eating more potassium by consuming large amounts of fruit and vegetables, so they need to balance it out with more sodium.'
DAIRY
'Milk contains key nutrients, and if you crave cheese, you may need the fat soluble Vitamins A and D, especially if you have a low-fat diet,' says Harcombe.
MEAT
It seems obvious - but some experts believe a meat craving means the body needs protein. Dr. Gibson says: 'A desire to eat red meat could be attributed to iron deficiency - especially in pregnant women.'
