Whether you’re suddenly yearning for chocolate at 3pm or fantasising about pickles at midnight, your food cravings might not just be your inner gremlin getting bored. Often, they can be your body’s way of raising a little biochemical hand to say, “Excuse me, something’s missing down here.” Here are a few common cravings and what science says your body might be trying to tell you.
1. Chocolate Craving: A slab of Ferero Rocher big enough to use as a coffee table.
Body’s Message: “I might need magnesium!”
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in magnesium, a mineral involved in hundreds of bodily functions, like muscle contraction, nerve signalling, and preventing you from screaming into a pillow at 2am.
A 2011 study in “Magnesium Research” linked magnesium deficiency to increased anxiety and depression symptoms.
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound linked to mood elevation, so maybe your body just wants a cuddle in dark bar form. Your body knows that kale contains magnesium too… but somehow kale just doesn’t “do it”!
2. Ice Craving: Munching ice like it’s going out of fashion.
Body’s Message: “Iron levels might be low!”
The Science: A bizarre-sounding condition called pagophagia (craving for ice) is often associated with iron deficiency (anaemia). Reference: A 2014 study in “Medical Hypotheses” found ice chewing could increase alertness in anaemic individuals. Just don’t add the Gin and Tonic until sundowners time and only if you’re not going to drive or operate machinery (which may include the dishwasher).
3. Salty Snack Craving: Salt and vinegar crisps that could strip paint.
Body’s Message: “Possibly dehydrated or stressed!”
Salt cravings can indicate adrenal fatigue or electrolyte imbalance. Salt boosts blood pressure, which might drop if your adrenal glands are under strain. Research in the Journal “Appetite” (2010) found salt cravings increased in people under stress.
4. Bread or Pasta – Comfort Carb Craving: Enough spaghetti to carb-load for a marathon (which you’re not running).
Body’s Message: “I need serotonin!”
Carbohydrates increase tryptophan availability in the brain, which then boosts serotonin which is a mood regulator.
A 2003 study in “Obesity Research” confirmed high-carb foods could improve mood.
5. Red Meat Craving: A steak, “blue” in my case.
Body’s Message: “Iron, zinc, or B12, please.”
Craving red meat is a classic sign of low iron or B12, especially in menstruating women or people on plant-based diets.
Harvard Health notes iron deficiency is widespread and red meat is a rich source.
6. Cheese – Fat, Salt, and Casein Craving: Cheddar, brie, stilton… whatever’s legally classified as cheese.
Body’s Message: “Fat, calcium, or maybe dopamine!”
Cheese contains casein, which breaks down into casomorphins, compounds with opiate-like effects. Reference: A 2015 study from “PLOS ONE” found that cheese was among the most addictive foods.
Humour Bit: Basically, you’re in a committed relationship with cheese, and it’s mutual.
7. Sugar Craving: A doughnut with frosting, sprinkles, and existential regret.
Body’s Message: “Your blood sugar just took a nosedive.”
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) causes the brain to demand quick energy, enter sugar.
Studies in “Diabetes Care” confirm that sugar cravings often follow blood sugar crashes. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Eat sugar now or I start deleting clubbing memories.” This is not an excuse for allowing bags of sweets to drop into your trolley when you’re out shopping…
8. Pickle Craving: Gherkins by the jar.
Body’s Message: “Need sodium or stomach acid boost!”
Vinegar helps with digestion, and salty pickles can help restore electrolyte balance. Some studies show vinegar (acetic acid) may aid in digestion and glycaemic control. (Or you’re pregnant).
9. Coffee Craving: An espresso IV drip.
Body’s Message: “Low energy, low dopamine, or plain habit!”
Caffeine mimics adenosine (the tiredness molecule), temporarily blocking its effects and increasing dopamine.
A study published in the “Psychopharmacology“ journal (2004) shows that caffeine increases alertness and mood.
(Or it’s Monday and it’s dark and cold outside…)
10. Citrus Craving: Oranges, lemons, or limes
Body’s Message: “More vitamin C, please!”
Vitamin C is essential for immunity, skin health, and iron absorption. Craving citrus may be your body’s way of boosting defences. Many studies highlight the role of vitamin C in preventing fatigue and boosting our body’s immune response.
Cravings aren’t always just about willpower, they can be cryptic emails from your body’s internal HR department. Listen closely… and if your body says, “chocolate, or we riot,” maybe check your magnesium before opening the cupboard. Or don’t. You’re a grown adult. With chocolate hidden from your family in the “healthy” herbal tea box!
Photo by The Organic Crave
